Whereas Sauber is constructing as much as the arrival of Audi subsequent yr, Nico Hulkenberg careworn that the Swiss staff additionally must construct some momentum this yr forward of its transition right into a works outfit.
In August 2022, Audi introduced its plans to take over the Sauber F1 staff in 2026 when new technical laws will take impact. Nevertheless, with adjustments in Audi’s administration, rumours had began to flow into a number of occasions that the German producer may name off its F1 dedication.
The 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix then noticed the Ingolstadt-based producer verify its plans to take a 100% stake within the Sauber Group., with Audi saying {that a} corresponding settlement had been reached with the present majority shareholder, Islero Investments AG.
Forward of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, Audi then confirmed that QIA, the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, has signed definitive agreements to amass a major minority stake in Sauber Holding AG that can change into Audi’s future manufacturing unit staff.
The German marque defined that QIA’s funding will present a considerable capital injection and pave the way in which for rising infrastructure.
Firstly of 2025, the German automotive producer confirmed that the whole takeover of the Sauber outfit has been accomplished. The Hinwil-based outfit began the yr with a brand new driver line-up, with Nico Hulkenberg having made the swap from Haas and reigning F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto having made his F1 debut with Sauber.
Following a tricky season final yr, Sauber had a extra promising begin to the championship as Hulkenberg recorded a seventh-place end within the chaotic opening race at Melbourne. Requested concerning the potential of his automotive, the German driver stated: “I hope we will shift the restrict up because the season goes on. Sure, it is true, the final couple of races, it has been troublesome.
“On some tracks we have been a bit extra aggressive than others. I feel Jeddah particularly, I really feel in quali we didn’t maximise the potential and within the race we merely weren’t aggressive sufficient.
“So like I stated, I really feel it is a bit of observe dependent and anyway, within the midfield it’s so tight that it’s a must to be good on the execution each time to get one thing significant. So yeah, that is the place we’re. I feel we’re conscious that we nonetheless have loads of work forward of us, however we’re not that far-off both.
Pushed on to disclose what sort of observe fits the C45, Hulkenberg famous that “possibly from what we have seen up to now, really a bit extra the low and medium velocity, however you already know, temperatures and situations all the time play a task.”
Whereas Sauber is constructing as much as the arrival of Audi subsequent yr. Hulkenberg careworn that the Swiss staff must construct some momentum this yr as effectively forward of its transition right into a works outfit.
“I feel it is essential nonetheless to construct momentum this yr. Every part we do now considerably issues subsequent yr. After all, completely different set of laws, however we’ve to push on parallel. I am certain that’s what everyone seems to be doing, particularly the large groups.
“However I nonetheless wish to see some progress this yr and we wish to rating extra factors. Lengthy yr, we’re nonetheless fairly early within the season, so nonetheless so much to play for.”
F1
