Nico Hulkenberg’s surprising podium finish at the British Grand Prix has highlighted an exciting shift in the midfield, particularly with Sauber making significant strides.
Once a team struggling to score points—including a dry spell until the ninth round in Spain—Sauber has recently outperformed even Red Bull in points accumulation.
Since the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of May, Sauber ranks as the fourth highest-scoring team, with Hulkenberg being the sixth highest-scoring driver in this timeframe. He has secured more points than notable competitors like Max Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli, and Fernando Alonso over the last four races.
The team’s remarkable improvement can be traced back to a trio of upgrades introduced shortly after Barcelona, starting with a completely new floor, front wing, and engine cover. In Austria, minor modifications were made to the floor and diffuser, accompanied by a new rear wing. By the time of the British GP, further updates included enhancements to the floor and a specific front wing design tailored for the lower downforce setup.
These advancements allowed Sauber to showcase a car that matched Ferrari in speed during the latter stages of the British race, as Hulkenberg successfully defended his position against Lewis Hamilton.
What stands out about Sauber’s recent upgrades is that they were unexpected. Originally aimed at improving the car’s drivability for the Spanish GP, the upgrades opened new avenues for development that were too beneficial to ignore, according to Sauber’s sporting director, Inaki Rueda.
Why the Upgrades Made Such a Difference
The transformation at Sauber isn’t attributed to a sudden surge in downforce but rather to enhanced drivability under challenging conditions, particularly in dirty air from other cars. Both Hulkenberg and teammate Gabriel Bortoleto faced severe difficulties earlier in the season, struggling to maintain control in overtaking scenarios, which they described as “survival” tactics.
Where Will Its 2025 Development Stop?
Despite the unforeseen improvements, Sauber recognizes the need to temper further development of the current car as they look toward the 2026 season. Rueda anticipates that the latest upgrades may be the last substantial revisions this year, stressing the importance of balancing current performance with future development goals.
