Sauber Team Poised for Improvement Under New Leadership
Sauber’s recent appointment of Jonathan Wheatley as team principal is already shaping the squad’s performance, with drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg reporting signs of progress. Wheatley, formerly of Red Bull Racing, aims to revitalize the struggling team as it prepares to transition to Audi’s works Formula 1 outfit in 2026.
Following a dismal last-place finish in the championship last season, Sauber looks to make strides in performance under Wheatley’s guidance, which he officially began last month alongside COO and CTO Mattia Binotto. Ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Hulkenberg acknowledged the early signs of improvement, stating, "It’s still obviously very early days, but the first effects are definitely happening… someone with so much wealth and knowledge is powerful and valuable."
Significantly, Sauber has already made strides in pit stop efficiency. In Miami, the team recorded the fastest pit stop of the race, servicing Bortoleto’s car in just 2.24 seconds. Bortoleto commended the new direction, noting, "The pitstop is now something that can be a clear improvement… we are making more progress that maybe people don’t see yet."
However, both drivers indicate that a full turnaround will require time. Bortoleto remarked, “It doesn’t mean that because you have someone new, it’s going to appear in one month. It’s a process.” Hulkenberg echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of pushing their limits.
As the team aims to climb from the bottom of the standings, the emphasis remains not just on quick pit stops but also on improving overall race pace and qualifying results—an essential requirement for Sauber as they navigate the challenges of the current F1 season.
