Sauber’s remarkable performance in the Spanish Grand Prix highlighted their pit crew’s speed, setting the fastest pit-stop time of the weekend.
In a thrilling turn of events during the Spanish Grand Prix, Sauber’s pit crew executed a breathtaking tire change for Gabriel Bortoleto in just 2.13 seconds, surpassing Alpine’s time with Pierre Gasly by a hair. This is the second time this season Sauber has achieved the quickest pit stop, having previously impressed at the Miami Grand Prix. Their efforts underline a clear evolution from last year, when they faced hardware issues causing excruciatingly slow stops due to wheel nut problems.
Data from DHL’s pit-stop analysis reveals that Sauber has accumulated 109 points from pit-stop performances this year, a significant rise from their 144 points total last season, where they were only the seventh-best team. This season, they’re now averaging as the third-fastest team behind Ferrari and McLaren but ahead of giants like Mercedes and Red Bull. The transformation is attributed to extensive efforts at their Hinwil headquarters, where the team overcame a challenging start to 2024 by prioritizing pit-stop efficiency.
Under the guidance of former sporting director Beat Zehnder, and now Inaki Rueda, Sauber refined their processes last season to achieve remarkable speed at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team’s progress continued with Jonathan Wheatley’s leadership, who joined as team boss after a successful stint with Red Bull, renowned for their pit-stop prowess. Wheatley’s influence was evident as Sauber also introduced a major upgrade package to their C45 car, enhancing performance alongside their pit-stop gains.
Jonathan Wheatley expressed satisfaction over the successful implementation of the upgrades and their positive reception among drivers. “I was just pleased that the upgrade did what we expected it to do,” he stated, reflecting on the improved car dynamics that finally resonated with him. This sense of relief, he hopes, will act as a springboard for future successes. Sauber debuted new changes to their floor design and engine cover, aligning with revised static load tests in Spain. While the full impact of these changes is yet to be determined, they undoubtedly play a part in the overall improvement.
Wheatley noted the importance of even the smallest performance gains, emphasizing the competitive nature of F1 where tiny margins can influence outcomes. “In the old days, you put an upgrade on, you were hoping for half a second, six-tenths of a second,” he remarked, highlighting how current F1 dynamics necessitate constant vigilance for any advantage. Sauber’s ability to implement these changes effectively while also improving their pit-stop strategy showcases their commitment to climbing the F1 ranks.
Sauber’s strategic focus on improving pit-stop efficiency and vehicle performance has catapulted them into the spotlight, outpacing rivals Mercedes and Red Bull and positioning them as formidable contenders in the ongoing F1 season.
