P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sauber has generally been the slowest package in the 2025 F1 field. But on the weekend its big upgrade arrived, it beat a Ferrari to fifth on merit
In the 2025 Formula 1 season, Sauber has consistently been the slowest car overall so far based on ‘supertimes’. Despite this, Nico Hulkenberg managed to secure a remarkable fifth place in Spain by overtaking Lewis Hamilton and a Ferrari at the final restart.
This achievement marked Sauber’s first top-five finish in three years, signaling a significant progression in their midfield battle following the upgrade package introduced for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Hulkenberg’s success was also aided by fortunate circumstances, including being the only driver with fresh soft tires after a safety car pit stop, allowing him to pass competitors and benefit from penalties.
The improved performance of the car was evident in qualifying and race pace, showcasing the effectiveness of the updated floor, engine cover, and front wing in addressing the team’s handling issues.
Sporting director Inaki Rueda emphasized the importance of creating a more drivable car rather than solely focusing on downforce gains, indicating the holistic approach taken in enhancing Sauber’s competitiveness.
While the technical directive on front wing flexibility was a factor in the upgrade, the notable performance leap was attributed to the overall usability and confidence the car provided to Hulkenberg, ultimately translating into tangible on-track results.
