Valtteri Bottas managed to place the Sauber in 13th position on the grid for today’s Sprint race in Qatar. The Finn benefited from a modified front wing specifically designed for the Lusail track.
The technical staff, led by James Key, is searching until the end of the season for a way to erase the zero in the Constructors’ standings. The Swiss team has resigned itself to the idea of being dismally last in the team rankings, but finishing the season without points would be the worst expression of a year they would rather forget as soon as possible.
While other teams have ceased development on their 2024 cars, Sauber is still dedicating energy to the disappointing C44, aware that the resources invested in this tail end of the season might prove useful for the 2025 car.
Mattia Binotto’s hope was to reverse a decidedly negative trend, especially as the team is undergoing a transformation, preparing to evolve from Sauber to Audi. Transitioning from a customer team to an official structure is proving much more challenging than anticipated.
In Qatar, despite Lusail being a medium-high downforce track, a front wing was introduced with cut flaps to improve the car’s balance. Valtteri Bottas defended himself well in the sprint qualifying; now, it will be interesting to see if the C44 can maintain good balance in the race, with hopes of snatching that elusive point this weekend, which would do wonders for the team’s morale.
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