Sauber's Final Season Sets Stage for Audi's F1 Arrival
Sauber capped its final F1 season with a ninth-place finish, highlighted by Nico Hulkenberg's maiden podium. The team now hands over a stable platform to Audi, which enters in 2026 with a proven driver lineup and new technical leadership aiming to transform the midfield outfit into a works team contender.
Sauber concluded its final Formula 1 season in 2025 with a respectable midfield performance, securing ninth in the constructors' championship with 70 points. The campaign served as a bridge to its transformation into the Audi works team for 2026, blending veteran consistency with rookie promise to lay a foundation for the new era.
Why it matters:
The Swiss team's final chapter under its historic name was more than a farewell; it was a proving ground for the driver lineup and operational structure that Audi will inherit. With significant manufacturer resources and a new technical leadership team now in place, Sauber's steady 2025 provides a crucial baseline from which the ambitious German project can launch.
The Details:
The season was defined by its contrasting driver performances.
- Nico Hulkenberg's Veteran Masterclass: The German was the team's anchor, scoring 51 points. His crowning achievement was a sensational maiden podium at Silverstone, climbing from 19th to third in mixed conditions. His reliability yielded 14 top-ten finishes.
- Gabriel Bortoleto's Raw Talent: The rookie showed flashes of brilliant pace, beating Hulkenberg 12-11 in qualifying and securing a best finish of sixth in Hungary. However, his season was also marred by inexperience, with costly crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas highlighting areas for growth.
- Audi's Infrastructure Takes Shape: The transition is already underway. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto oversees the technical project, while ex-Red Bull sporting chief Jonathan Wheatley is installed as team principal. The operation spans three facilities in Hinwil, Neuburg, and Bicester.
What's next:
All eyes are on the 2026 season and the debut of the Audi works team. The continuity of retaining both Hulkenberg and Bortoleto provides stability, while the new technical regulations—emphasizing electrical power and sustainable fuels—play directly into a major manufacturer's strengths. Sauber's final season demonstrated the team can compete in the midfield; Audi's challenge is to leverage its vast resources to turn that foundation into a consistent front-running operation.