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Sauber as a leading midfield contender? You’d have been laughed at for thinking so at the start of the 2025 F1 season. Edd Straw speaks in depth to the team’s technical director about its dramatic turnaround
Sauber’s potential as a Formula 1 midfield leader seemed absurd due to disastrous pre-season testing troubles according to Nico Hulkenberg.
Despite initial struggles, the team’s performance drastically improved in the first six races of the season after technical upgrades were introduced.
The decision to delay the official 2025 car development until after maximizing the 2024 car’s potential was crucial in Sauber’s performance evolution.
Improvements made for the Australian Grand Prix marked a turning point where the car started to show its true competitiveness.
Sauber’s early struggles were attributed to the delayed development schedule and unexpected aerodynamic challenges that required adjustments throughout the season.
The team’s initial expectations based on testing results were a wakeup call, prompting comprehensive background work to perfect the car’s performance.
Sauber’s journey in the 2025 Formula 1 season was a testament to the team’s resilience and dedication to continuous improvement despite facing early setbacks.
