Sauber finished in a disappointing 9th place last season, but the Swiss-based outfit is more hopeful about their chances in 2024. Based on pre-season testing, they will be competing for similar positions as they did last year.
Over the last twelve months, there have been very few highlights for the team. Aside from a spectacular qualifying in Hungary (in addition to a strong points haul in Qatar), the Hinwil-based squad were largely anonymous last year.
Despite starting the 2022 regulations as arguably the 4th-fastest car, they have steadily regressed. Initially, the C42 enjoyed a weight advantage over its rivals – being the only car that met the minimum weight.
However, as rivals eliminated excessive kilos and introduced upgrades, this advantage soon went away.
The biggest headlines surrounding the team have concerned their partners, with Kick and Stake featuring as title sponsors. Additionally, both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are on expiring contracts.
They will surely feature in the highly anticipated 2024 silly season.
With that aside, technical director James Key gave a review of the team’s testing success:
“We learned a lot throughout these three days of testing.
“We had a logical approach; much like every other team, we came with a list of items we wanted to tick off and many new bits we wanted to get to know better.
“I believe we managed to go through them all.
“The C44 ran as it should, completing about 38- laps across three days – a testament to the good job done by the team back home in Hinwil during the winter.”
Whilst the team awaits Audi’s arrival in 2026, it will be imperative for Sauber to tread water.
The arrival of former McLaren engineer James Key should serve as a significant boost for the Swiss outfit. However, a rapid ascent up the field seems unlikely in the foreseeable future.
A more realistic goal for Sauber will be to optimise their package every weekend and score points on a semi-regular basis in the midfield.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
