Sauber Celebrates Historic Double Points Finish in Austria
Sauber secured a significant milestone with a double-points finish at the Austrian Grand Prix, marking the team’s first such result since the 2023 Qatar race. This achievement reflects the extensive development efforts on the C45 throughout the season.
Despite the impending shift to new Formula 1 regulations in 2026, Sauber has not hesitated to introduce updates to their current car. Team Principal Mattia Binotto’s leadership previously left the team relatively stagnant as it prepared for its transition to Audi. However, recent developments have shown promising returns, with Nico Hülkenberg scoring points in three consecutive races and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto registering his first points.
“I’m a bit fed up that the technical regulations are ending at the end of the year, because we’re starting to have a bit of fun here!” Wheatley remarked following the team’s strong performance at the Red Bull Ring. “The work that Mattia and James [Key, technical director] are doing back at the factory is making it a wonderful time to be here.”
Bortoleto’s performance during the weekend was noted for its consistency, culminating in a commendable showing during qualifying. Hülkenberg also demonstrated notable pace, strengthening the team’s confidence in their car’s capabilities. Wheatley commented on the pit stops, stating, “Four absolutely beautifully nailed stops… It felt absolutely like a world-class performance.”
The arrival of Wheatley has been pivotal in improving the team’s operational efficiency, particularly in pit stops, a domain where Sauber previously struggled. The team has made significant strides since addressing earlier mechanical issues, achieving a rapid 2.42s tire change in Qatar last year and a remarkable 2.13s in Spain, followed by 2.3s in Austria.
While Wheatley acknowledged having a “small part” in the turnaround, he credited the entire team and Binotto’s leadership for fostering an environment that promotes high-performance standards. “Pitstop performance is the manifestation of team spirit,” he asserted, stressing that the collective motivation leads to improved outcomes.
Strategically, Wheatley believed a two-stop strategy was optimal for Austria despite being outpaced by single-stoppers Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso. He indicated that traffic influenced possible outcomes but felt a better reward could have been achieved under different circumstances.
Wheatley’s vision extends beyond operational improvements; he aims to enhance communication and collaboration within the team while creating an environment conducive to high performance. “We wanted to explore different ways of communicating during the race,” he added, underscoring the revitalized spirit within Sauber.
As Sauber looks to build on its recent successes, the team is poised to further capitalize on its momentum as they navigate the remainder of the season.
