Sauber evaluates its performance following the conclusion of the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, the final round before the Formula 1 summer break. It was a weekend of mixed results for the Swiss team, with experienced German driver Nico Hülkenberg facing numerous issues from Friday onwards, while Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto delivered his best weekend in Formula 1 so far. The upcoming three-week break will be crucial for the team to recharge, strengthen its operations, and most importantly, return more competitive for the second part of the season.
A disappointing race for Hülkenberg
Nico Hülkenberg openly expressed his frustration over the difficulties he encountered during the Grand Prix. He explained that it had been a particularly challenging race, especially given that he had started from the back of the grid. The German driver emphasized the uphill battle of trying to make up positions on a narrow circuit like the Hungaroring, where managing traffic is always a tough task. Sauber opted for an aggressive two-stop strategy that at times appeared promising, but in hindsight, a one-stop approach seemed to have been more effective for most of the field. Ultimately, Hülkenberg stated that the poor qualifying performance the day before had compromised his race, as the team had not maximized its potential during the session.
Bortoleto’s joy after a career-best finish
Gabriel Bortoleto, who crossed the finish line in sixth position, was understandably thrilled. While he expressed some sympathy for his teammate’s struggles, the Brazilian highlighted the importance of securing eight valuable championship points for the team. He noted that since the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, the team had made clear and consistent progress, with six consecutive points finishes demonstrating the upward trend. Bortoleto pointed out that Sauber is now firmly in the fight for the midfield, which he sees as a clear testament to the relentless work carried out by both the trackside team and those based at the Hinwil factory. He concluded by saying that the summer break would allow the whole organisation to recharge before returning with full determination.
A standout performance
Gabriel Bortoleto was undoubtedly the standout performer of the weekend, delivering a fast and competitive performance throughout the entire Grand Prix in Budapest. Finishing in sixth place was not only a significant boost for the team in the constructors’ standings but also a major milestone in the young Brazilian’s personal journey in Formula 1. He said he was extremely happy with the result, which he described as the team’s best of the season and clear proof of the excellent work being done together. He remarked that they had taken the right steps in the right direction and that this was only the beginning of what the team can achieve moving forward.
The race itself, according to Bortoleto, was intense and mentally demanding, with all 70 laps requiring full concentration and leaving no room for even the smallest mistake. He added that he gave absolutely everything, avoided any errors, and executed every opportunity to perfection — from driving to strategy and team execution. He expressed his deep gratitude to everyone involved.
Bortoleto also described the emotions he felt during the Grand Prix, particularly the surreal experience of racing between two of his idols — two-time world champion Fernando Alonso ahead of him and four-time world champion Max Verstappen behind. These were the kinds of moments that reminded him of how far he had come. He took time to thank every single member of the Sauber team, both at the track and at the factory in Hinwil, for the achievements made during the first half of the season. He stated that none of it would have been possible without their collective effort, and he was now looking forward to celebrating with his family and enjoying the team’s progress.
Wheatley reflects on Sauber’s progress
Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley expressed his satisfaction with how the weekend had unfolded and was particularly pleased to head into the break with a sense of renewed awareness and confidence. He stated that the outcome of the Hungarian Grand Prix served as proof of the team’s resilience and determination. Despite experiencing reliability issues during Friday’s first practice session, the entire team bounced back with a strong and impressive performance. He noted that this marked the team’s sixth consecutive Grand Prix in the points, reflecting the consistency and growing competitiveness Sauber had built throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season so far.
Wheatley also praised Gabriel Bortoleto’s drive as nothing short of exceptional. He emphasized that finishing in sixth place represented Bortoleto’s best Formula 1 result to date and was rewarded with the well-deserved Driver of the Day award. Regarding Nico Hülkenberg, Wheatley acknowledged the German’s impressive skill, particularly during the opening laps of the race. Although Hülkenberg ultimately finished in thirteenth position and outside the points, the team principal highlighted that it was still one of his strongest performances of the year and deserved respect despite the lack of a points finish.
Jonathan Wheatley concluded by observing that the 2025 season had been characterized by extremely narrow performance margins across all the teams. He predicted that the second half of the season would continue to be just as fiercely contested. For now, he said, the team would take a well-earned rest — both at the factory and at the circuits — before returning refreshed and ready to face the challenges that lie ahead in the remainder of the season.
Leave a Reply