Sauber Unveils Special 'Final Lap' Livery for Las Vegas GP

Sauber has revealed a special one-off livery for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, featuring a chequered flag motif that symbolizes the team's impending farewell from Formula 1. This comes as Audi prepares to complete its full takeover by 2026, marking the end of the Sauber name after more than three decades in the sport.

Why it matters:

This 'final lap' livery highlights a significant moment in F1 history, as the Sauber name, a fixture for over 30 years, prepares to exit the sport. The aesthetic change for one of F1's most glamorous races serves as a poignant reminder of the team's legacy and the major shake-up expected with Audi's arrival and the 2026 regulation changes.

The Details:

• Chequered Flag Design: The C45s will feature a subtle chequered flag motif woven into their usual green and black livery, signifying the team's closing chapter in F1.
• Previous One-Off Liveries: This isn't Sauber's first special livery of the season; the team previously adopted unique designs for the Miami and Spanish Grands Prix, often leveraging opportunities presented by title sponsors like Kick.
• Constructors' Standings Battle: Despite the impending changes, Sauber remains engaged in a tight battle for sixth place in the Constructors' Championship, with only 20 points separating them in ninth from Racing Bulls in sixth. This underscores the team's continued competitive drive until the very end.
• Team Principal's Comments: Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber's team principal, emphasized the goal to improve and achieve top-ten results with both cars, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of Las Vegas races and the remaining opportunities to score points.

The Big Picture:

Sauber's rebranding into Audi F1 for the 2026 season represents a major shift in the sport's landscape. The current 'final lap' livery visually encapsulates this transition, setting the stage for a new era. The team's ongoing fight for championship points, even as its identity is set to change, showcases the relentless competitive spirit inherent in Formula 1. The move by Alpine to also tweak its livery, incorporating more pink for title sponsor BWT, further illustrates the strategic importance of branding and sponsorship visibility in high-profile events like the Las Vegas GP.

What's next:

While Sauber prepares for its final races under its current guise, the focus will soon shift entirely to the Audi era, with the 2026 regulation changes looming large. The team's performance in the remaining races, especially in the tight midfield battle, will be crucial for momentum as they transition. Meanwhile, the F1 world anticipates more driver line-up confirmations and strategic moves as teams gear up for the significant changes coming in the next few years.