Sauber has commended both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for their key contributions to the team’s remarkable comeback in Formula 1. Starting the 2025 season with the slowest cars and positioned at the bottom of the Constructors Championship, the Swiss team witnessed a dramatic shift in fortune following a series of upgrades introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix. Hulkenberg delivered an outstanding performance at Silverstone, securing Sauber’s first podium since the 2012 Japan Grand Prix, while rookie Gabriel Bortoleto scored points in three of the last four races, including a notable sixth place finish in Hungary before the summer break.
Their consistent point-scoring helped Sauber climb from 10th to 7th in the championship standings over six races. Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley praised his drivers as the most supportive lineup he’s experienced in Formula 1, highlighting their close partnership. He particularly noted Bortoleto’s impressive work ethic and ability to absorb new information, calling him a future star, and acknowledged Hulkenberg’s pivotal role in the team’s progress.
Bortoleto, who joined F1 this year after winning the 2024 Formula 2 title against Racing Bulls’ Isaac Hajar, had a tougher preparation without extensive testing compared to other rookies like Mercedes’ Kimi Antoneri. Wheatley expressed admiration for how quickly Bortoleto has matured, emphasizing that despite limited mileage in F1 cars and new circuits, he has rapidly grown and adapted as a driver.
Fan Take: This impressive turnaround by Sauber signals a fresh wave of competitiveness in Formula 1, showcasing the impact of strong teamwork and driver development. For racing fans, it highlights how emerging talents like Bortoleto can quickly rise and challenge the established order, promising exciting battles ahead in the sport.
