Sauber boss Jonathan Wheatley explains the subtle tweaks behind the improvements in Major F1.
The worsening team last year was at the bottom of the Constructors Championship, waiting for their first points until the 23rd Grand Prix.
But now there are clear signs of growth with former Red Bull Chief Wheatley as team principal.
Nico Hulkenberg’s impressive P5 finish at the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix last weekend was his best since Valtteri Bottas at Imola three years ago, starting from 15th on the grid.
Hulkenberg overtook Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, highlighting his incredible drive.
Wheatley also noted how their pit stops were devastated last season – how quickly they got.
“As a team, we played at the highest level,” Whaitley told Barcelona’s F1 Nation Podcast.
“I was very impressed with our communications, factories, strategies and cars had a pace across both tire types, and Nico has a point to prove after qualifying.
“It’s great to be motor racing again and be really competitive.
“I thought there would be a pretty solid car in qualifying. Both drivers were able to get into Q2. Nico didn’t do that. To do that with this truck? It’s an aero truck. It’s very encouraging.
“It provided what our tools said, I am sitting here tonight, as if we were on the right track.
“I’ve been here for eight weeks and did seven races to keep your feet from touching the ground!
“I tried to listen to people and understand how we were here.
“I’m starting to feel good about what I can. We’ve changed a few things about how we communicate. We feel we’re in the right direction.
“The Pit Stop is a manifestation of team spirit, so to make a 2.1 second pit stop… I’m extremely proud.
“It was strange to see us chasing two Ferraris!”
More f1 pleasure for Sauber, new package predicted as loom
Boltret, Halkenberg
Sauber was named to a new look driver partnership this season, combining veteran Hulkenberg with rookie Gabriel Boltreto.
Brazilian journalist Julian Cerasori provided insights into Boltreto.
“They have more easy to use downforce. They make the car easier to drive and are more predictable rather than adding downforce.
“Think about Sauber – they have moved from Sauber to Audi Management after a very difficult year.
“Their final package worked well at the end of 2024 when Guanyu Zhou scored points.
“They come from very low positions, but they were a bit good in the mix of Q1 and some Q2.
“This package (in Spain) works and there’s another package before summer vacation, so it looks great.”
Hesús Balseiro has been added to the F1 Nation Podcast.
“What we have in mind is that Halkenberg overtakes Hamilton with the Ferrari!
“It’s exciting to see a car on the edge of the grid deliver good results.
“Everyone believes Barcelona is the reference truck. They’ve done really good things, so they can have a good summer.”