As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches its pivotal summer swing, Sauber's steady progress has begun to turn heads in the paddock. Notably, the attention intensified in the Austrian Grand Prix paddock, where both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto expressed considerable optimism about the team’s upward trajectory. While recent seasons have often found Sauber (set to become the Audi works team in 2026) languishing towards the rear of the field, clear signs of transformation are apparent—both in car performance and in team mentality.
Hülkenberg, confirmed as the lead driver for the Swiss squad’s 2025 campaign, didn't hold back in acknowledging the strides being made. The experienced German detailed how Sauber’s “vast development potential” attracted him—highlighting a team with the resources and ambition to shake up the status quo. His observations come at a time when the Hinwil-based outfit is not just tinkering at the margins, but undertaking deep structural changes, both technically and operationally, in anticipation of an aggressive push under the Audi banner.
Meanwhile, F2 champion-in-waiting Gabriel Bortoleto, who completed his inaugural F1 test with Sauber, praised the environment and determination of the team. Bortoleto emphasized that both the mechanics and engineers displayed “attention to detail and collaborative spirit,” further fuelling rumors about the allure Sauber now holds for rising stars. These testimonies solidify the growing sense that Sauber’s project is one of the grid’s most promising long-term bets.
Inside the factory, the mood has transformed compared to this time last year. Recently recruited technical staff from top teams such as Red Bull and Ferrari are working on radical areas of aerodynamic improvement. A renewed focus on simulation and wind tunnel efficiency is paying off, with incremental but tangible performance gains evident at several circuits. The team’s collaborative culture is no longer a cliché, but an everyday reality, powered by the looming Audi partnership and its promise of state-of-the-art resources.
From a strategic viewpoint, Sauber’s gradual resurgence reflects the philosophy of building from the ground up. With Hülkenberg bringing a wealth of experience and technical feedback, alongside the youthful dynamism Bortoleto could provide, Sauber is balancing a blend of wisdom and hunger. Insiders reveal that the team is obsessed with “getting the fundamentals right”—ensuring reliability, smooth pit stops, and operational sharpness. These are critical steps before launching an all-out assault on the upper midfield as Audi gears up to officially take over.
For Hungarian Formula 1 fans, there’s a special resonance in Sauber’s mission. The team’s willingness to take calculated risks mirrors the bold Hungarian spirit, while their commitment to engineering excellence recalls a bygone era of F1 where innovation trumped sheer financial might. With the sport returning to the Hungaroring soon, many home fans will look to Sauber as a blueprint for how a smaller constructor can challenge giants through hard work and vision.
Speculation continues to swirl about Audi’s long-term plans, including reports of ‘mega investment’ on both power unit and chassis development. What’s clear, however, is that the foundations being laid now—on and off the track—will be crucial in shaping the team’s destiny. Hülkenberg and Bortoleto’s endorsements may prove prophetic in a few years if Sauber transforms into Audi’s championship contender.
Until then, expect more measured but relentless improvements, and perhaps a surprise or two before the checkered flag falls on 2025. For fans dreaming of a shake-up within Formula 1’s pecking order, Sauber’s story is worth following with eager anticipation.
