P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sauber bowed out of F1 at the end of the 2025 campaign as Audi prepares for its entry into the sport for next year.
The Stake F1 team finished their last season under the Sauber name in 2025, securing the ninth spot in the constructor standings with a total of 70 points earned from 24 races.
The season highlighted a blend of youthful talent and seasoned reliability as the team geared up for its transition into the Audi works team.
Nico Hulkenberg stood out with an impressive performance, grabbing 51 points and solidifying his reputation as a dependable driver in the competitive field.
Hulkenberg’s standout moment occurred at Silverstone, where he clinched his first podium after 239 races, starting from 19th position in challenging weather conditions and fending off Lewis Hamilton for third place.
His consistent performances were instrumental in the team’s success, contributing to 14 top-ten finishes throughout the season.
On the other hand, Gabriel Bortoleto, the team’s rookie driver, displayed glimpses of talent but also struggled with errors that reflected his lack of experience. Despite accumulating 19 points and a 19th place finish in the drivers’ championship, he showcased potential with notable qualifying performances against Hulkenberg.
Bortoleto’s season had its share of challenges, including crashes at the Brazilian sprint race and a collision with Lance Stroll in Las Vegas, underscoring the learning curve he faced as a young driver. Despite the setbacks, his ability to reach Q3 and secure a seventh-place grid spot hinted at a promising future in the sport.
