In Melbourne to bounce back
Sauber is about to embark on a particularly significant season, both in terms of its present and future. As it awaits Audi’s arrival in F1 in 2026—when the German manufacturer will take over the Hinwil-based team founded by Peter Sauber in the 1970s—all efforts are focused on the upcoming World Championship, which begins this weekend in Australia. The goal is to redeem a disappointing 2024 season, which ended in last place with only four points scored.
The young Gabriel Bortoleto
To achieve this, Sauber has completely revamped its driver lineup, replacing Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou with two new names. On one side is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, Germany’s Nico Hülkenberg, who already ranks among the top 20 all-time drivers in terms of Grand Prix starts. On the other side is a young Brazilian, Gabriel Bortoleto, who will make his F1 debut in Melbourne as one of several rookies on the grid this weekend.
The challenge of an F1 Grand Prix will be a first for the 20-year-old, though he has fond memories of Albert Park, where he won the Feature Race in Formula 3 before securing the 2023 championship title in the category. “I’m incredibly excited for my Formula 1 debut,” said the reigning Formula 2 champion. “It’s a moment I’ve worked towards for a long time, and now it’s finally here. The team has been fantastic with me during pre-season, and I feel we have made solid progress in understanding the car and how we can work together. Now, I’m focused on making the most of every session. There’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to take on the challenge. Every race is an opportunity to improve, and I can’t wait to give my best and push both myself and the team to keep improving throughout the season.”
Nico Hülkenberg’s confidence
Having finished in the points in seven Australian GPs (including the most recent one), Nico Hülkenberg will also be making his return to Sauber for the first time since 2013. “It’s great to be back in Melbourne—the atmosphere and the vibes around Albert Park are unique. It’s always special to kick off a new season, especially with new colors. We are ready to take on the challenge ahead. We will focus on making progress and constantly improving as a team in all the necessary aspects. While we are realistic about the steps we need to take and the challenges we will face, we are confident in the progress we can make, and I’m looking forward to starting the season!”
The season opener is therefore a special moment not only for the drivers but also for the team and Mattia Binotto, Sauber’s Technical and Operations Director. “The start of a new season is always a crucial moment, marking the beginning of a journey spanning twenty-four races. We have worked hard during the winter period, and now we are ready to face the challenges ahead. It will be a long and demanding season, and we know that development will play a key role throughout the year, even as preparations for the 2026 campaign intensify. Our focus will be on making continuous improvements and maximizing every opportunity. We are committed to using the 2025 season to build a stronger foundation to achieve our long-term goals and keep progressing throughout the season.”
Leave a Reply