Sauber is living what could be described as a golden season, especially when compared to last year’s campaign, which ended with the team at the very bottom of the standings with only four points. Few would have imagined that, after completely restructuring its organization – with Mattia Binotto joining as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer in mid-2024, and Jonathan Wheatley taking over as team principal at the start of 2025 following his departure from Red Bull – the team could achieve such a turnaround while preparing to compete under the Audi name from 2026.
No matter how the season ends, Sauber already has reasons to smile
At present, Sauber sits ninth in the Constructors’ Championship with 60 points, just 12 behind sixth-placed Racing Bulls. Everything would look quite positive if it weren’t for the fact that, during the Mexican Grand Prix, the team was caught and overtaken by Haas, which now has 62 points. The American team’s rise came thanks to an excellent performance by Oliver Bearman, who finished just shy of the podium in fourth place, and Esteban Ocon, who brought home additional points in ninth.
Sauber’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows. The team is currently going through a more difficult phase, but team principal Jonathan Wheatley remains confident and composed. “We’re taking it one race at a time, and Haas has definitely given us a lesson,” he said. “The margins are incredibly tight. I seem to keep repeating myself, but it’s really a coin toss. In the end, whoever makes the fewest mistakes will come out ahead,” commented Wheatley, referring to the fight for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Bortoleto gives Sauber a reason to believe
Even if Sauber doesn’t manage to overtake Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, or Haas by the end of the season, Wheatley still has a reason to smile: Gabriel Bortoleto.
“Gabriel keeps surprising me,” Wheatley told Formula1.com. “Above all, it’s his maturity. Considering his age – just 21 – he manages himself in a way you wouldn’t expect from a rookie. His work ethic is remarkable, and even more so when he’s facing a track he doesn’t know. I also think the way he’s connecting with the team is very encouraging,” he added, referring to the young Brazilian driver who scored his first career point by finishing tenth in the Mexican Grand Prix.
As Sauber continues its transition toward becoming Audi, Bortoleto’s steady growth and strong performances are seen as a sign that the future may be brighter than the standings suggest. The lessons from Haas may have been tough, but they’ve also shown Sauber where to improve — and given them fresh optimism for the races to come.
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