Sauber’s F1 2025 car, the C45, faces criticism from Gabriel Bortoleto, who claims it has virtually ‘no window’ of performance.
- Despite a promising start in Australia, Sauber’s performance has dwindled, with Bortoleto and Hulkenberg failing to progress past Q1 in Bahrain.
- Sauber currently sits ninth in the Constructors’ Championship, just ahead of Alpine, who have yet to score.
- Bortoleto stresses the need for a more reliable and consistent car balance, expressing doubts about scoring points.
- Hulkenberg remains hopeful yet cautious, acknowledging the competitive pace of other teams.
The Sauber F1 2025 car, known as the C45, is under fire as Gabriel Bortoleto described its performance window as nearly nonexistent. This stark assessment paints a challenging picture for the team, struggling to find its footing in a competitive season. With Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg both failing to make it out of Q1 during the Bahrain Grand Prix, the team’s difficulties are plain to see. Hulkenberg’s track limit infraction further complicated the situation, leaving him behind after a brief stint in Q2.
After managing to score points in the first race of the season, Sauber’s subsequent performance contrasts sharply, with the team now ninth in the Constructors’ Championship and only outperforming the scoreless Alpine team. Pierre Gasly’s fourth position finish in qualifying for Alpine at Bahrain highlights the competitive gap that Sauber needs to bridge.
In his candid media remarks, Bortoleto conveyed little optimism about Sauber’s chances to break into the top ten. ‘I’m not expecting anything more than what we have done today, to be honest,’ he stated, noting that their current pace does not pose a threat to competitors already ahead in the rankings. His description of the car’s performance window as ‘so, so small’ indicates an urgent need for improvements.
Bortoleto’s concerns about achieving a more predictable balance are echoed by Hulkenberg, who also expressed skepticism about moving into the top rankings. ‘I think it’s tricky,’ underlining the fierce competition from other teams with comparable or superior pace. Nevertheless, Hulkenberg remains cautiously optimistic about the potential to capitalize on a ‘big tyre deg race war.’
The road ahead for Sauber seems fraught with challenges, as both Bortoleto and Hulkenberg grapple with performance issues.
