Formula 1: Sauber 2025 is preparing for a final season with Hulkenberg and Bortoleto before Audi’s arrival

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a crucial chapter in the history of Sauber, as the Swiss team prepares for one last adventure in Formula 1 before officially merging with Audi. With the arrival of Nico Hulkenberg and young talent Gabriel Bortoleto behind the wheel, expectations are high and all eyes are on how these drivers will handle the pressure before this significant change. This transitional year is not only an opportunity to prove themselves on the track but also to lay the groundwork for the new era ahead with Audi in 2026.

The 2025 Formula 1 season represents a crucial milestone for the Sauber team. With Audi’s arrival anticipated for 2026, this will be Sauber’s last year on the track as an independent entity. The official drivers, Nico Hulkenberg, a veteran of F1, and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, face significant challenges as they attempt to gather the best results possible in this transitional season.

Sauber’s Last Season

The history of Sauber in Formula 1 is on the cusp of a monumental change. With the imminent arrival of Audi in 2026, the 2025 season will be marked as a farewell for the Swiss team. This change is significant not only for the new identity the team will adopt but also because it will serve as a testing ground to prepare for the transition, making every point accumulated in the championship crucial. The team’s management is working hard to close this cycle with dignity and success.

The Dynamic Duo: Hulkenberg and Bortoleto

The partnership between Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto promises to deliver a blend of experience and freshness. Hulkenberg, known for his solidity on the track, brings a performance history from teams like Haas, where he accumulated 41 points in 2024. On the other hand, Bortoleto, after an impressive career in lower categories, will make his debut in Formula 1, ready to establish himself and learn from his teammate, while the team focuses on rebuilding and development.

Hulkenberg: Leadership in Adversity

The veteran driver not only brings his skill behind the wheel but also an invaluable sense of leadership. Throughout his career, he has worked under various difficult circumstances and aims to use this experience to guide Bortoleto and the entire team through a season of clear challenges. Hulkenberg’s maturity will be essential in keeping the team’s morale and focus amid the pressure that lies ahead.

Bortoleto: The New Hope

The Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto enters F1 after a stellar performance in lower divisions. With a Formula 3 championship in 2023 and an F2 title in 2024, his credentials are promising. Although the transition to F1 is always a challenge, especially without Hulkenberg’s experience around him, Bortoleto is determined to learn quickly and contribute to Sauber’s efforts. His expectations are to stay close to his teammate and avoid mistakes that could impact the team.

Sauber’s Strategy Towards 2026

Looking to the future, the decisions that Sauber makes this year will be crucial for its next chapter under Audi’s wing. The team’s direction, now under the command of Jonathan Wheatley, is adjusting its approach to maximize potential in every race. While the goals for 2025 are modest, it is essential to establish the right foundations for the new beginning. The team’s administrative and structural reforms indicate serious preparation for the upcoming challenges.

Prospects and Expectations

The competitive environment of Formula 1 is relentless, and Sauber knows it well. After finishing last in the constructors’ championship in 2024, every point is vital. Although prospects may seem limited, the progress made at the end of last season offers a glimmer of hope and optimism. The key will be to capitalize on any opportunities that arise and learn from each race during this final year, with eyes firmly set on the future.

A Call to Fans

With the 2025 season underway, F1 fans can expect an exciting mix of tradition and renewal. Sauber is poised to leave a lasting mark before its transformation into Audi. While the team seeks to optimize its performance on the track, the support of its fans will be more important than ever, cheering on the drivers and the team in this significant journey. As the season progresses, stay updated with the new talents and developments in Formula 1 to not miss any of the crucial moments.

The Future of Sauber: A Journey Towards Change

The 2025 season presents itself as a decisive year for Sauber, a team with a rich history in Formula 1, preparing for its last dance before merging under the umbrella of Audi. The arrival of Nico Hulkenberg and the novice Gabriel Bortoleto marks the beginning of a new era of challenges and opportunities. With veteran Hulkenberg at the wheel, the team aims to leverage his vast experience to achieve competitive performance in an already complicated environment.

The challenge will be immense, as the team carries the aftermath of a previous season where it finished last in the constructors’ championship. Despite modest expectations, there is an air of optimism within the team, driven by the desire to make this final season a testament to the legacy of the team. The new faces in the team not only represent a change in the lineup but also an opportunity to revitalize and restructure a team that has been in search of a rebirth.

On the other hand, Sauber’s future is also being written with the imminent arrival of Audi, which introduces new regulations and significant changes in the team’s strategy. This means that each race in 2025 will be crucial to establishing a strong foundation for the transition to the new era. The cars, management, and strategic decisions need to align perfectly to ensure that Sauber is ready when Audi fully takes the reins.

Thus, all eyes are on the track, where the blend of talent mixed with Hulkenberg’s experience and Bortoleto’s drive could bring surprises for both the team’s followers and its competitors. Sauber’s history in Formula 1 finds itself at a crossroads, where the combination of tradition and innovation will be essential to face the challenges that lie ahead.