P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have led Sauber to an impressive string of results in recent races.
Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley showered praise on both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for their pivotal roles in the team’s remarkable transformation in Formula 1 this season. Despite starting with the slowest car in 2025, a series of upgrades led by Hulkenberg’s podium finish at Silverstone and Bortoleto’s consistent points-scoring drives have propelled Sauber from 10th to seventh in the championship standings. Wheatley highlighted the collaborative spirit between the two drivers, describing them as the closest and most collaborative pairing he has seen in his F1 career. He commended Bortoleto’s rapid development and maturity as a rookie driver who did not have the luxury of extensive testing like some of his peers. Wheatley expressed confidence in Bortoleto’s ability to adapt quickly to new circuits and continue delivering strong performances in the second half of the season.
