Kick Sauber have endured a challenging 2024 Formula 1 season thus far, navigating a complex landscape of technical limitations, operational hiccups, and a fiercely competitive midfield. With the halfway mark now passed, it’s time to dissect where the Hinwil-based outfit have succeeded, where they have faltered, and what the rest of the year might hold for this legendary Swiss team.
Having rebranded as Kick Sauber after the end of their partnership with Alfa Romeo, there were high expectations from both fans and team personnel alike. The arrival of the new C44 chassis brought a wave of optimism, promising incremental upgrades over the outgoing model. Yet, the squad has often found themselves grappling with both straight-line speed deficiencies and a tricky car balance, issues that have made the pursuit for points more elusive than anticipated.
Despite these obstacles, there have been flashes of competitive pace. Valtteri Bottas, the team’s senior statesman, has repeatedly extracted the maximum from less-than-ideal circumstances, showcasing his qualifying prowess and technical feedback. Meanwhile, Zhou Guanyu has continued to develop handsomely, offering moments of resilience and tactical insight, though consistently landing in the lower points-paying positions has remained a rare occurrence.
The most significant highlight for Kick Sauber in 2024 undoubtedly arrived during the Canadian Grand Prix. Amidst unpredictable weather and strategic gambles, the Swiss squad capitalized on chaos, securing their first double points finish in over a year. Not only did this inject much-needed morale into the garage, but it also underscored the team’s sharp operational thinking and ability to execute under pressure. Bottas, in particular, dazzled with his wet-weather skills, keeping the car out of trouble while snatching precious points from the jaws of adversity.
However, consistency has been an issue throughout the season. Multiple races have been marred by slow pit stops—a problem that has dogged Sauber since the early races. Missed wheel fits, sluggish release times, and operational miscommunications cost critical seconds, often undoing gains made on track. In such a tightly packed midfield, these errors are magnified, effectively transforming potential points finishes into near-misses. Team boss Alessandro Alunni Bravi is on record expressing frustration with these issues, recognizing that operational sharpness must improve if the team is to achieve its objectives.
On the technical side, the C44’s struggles are no secret. Despite a significant update package introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix, the car continues to lack rear-end stability and struggles with tyre management over long stints. The power unit, courtesy of Ferrari, remains reliable, but it’s consistently less potent than the competition’s best, notably lagging behind both the Red Bull-Honda and Mercedes works teams.
What’s more, the off-track maneuverings are beginning to command as much attention as the on-track battles. With Andreas Seidl overseeing the team’s future integration into the Audi project, there is a sense of anticipation in the air—2026 looms as a major opportunity. While this season has been one of learning and transition, fans and insiders alike know that the groundwork being laid now may well pay handsome dividends once the new technical era dawns. Until then, though, resilience and incremental progress remain the watchwords.
In summary, Kick Sauber’s 2024 campaign to date has been defined by adversity, flashes of inspiration, and an unyielding team ethos. With the ever-improving technical package and some of the sharpest minds in the paddock, supporters have reason to remain optimistic. If operational errors can be ironed out and the car’s weaknesses addressed, a stronger second half to the campaign is well within reach. As the countdown to the Audi era gathers pace, Sauber’s persistence and ambition ensure their journey remains one of the most compelling stories in the F1 paddock.
