With zero points after sixteen rounds, Sauber’s 2024 campaign has been an objective failure. The Swiss team are firmly at the bottom of the pecking order, with points well out of reach for Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Although the priority is Audi’s arrival in 2026, Mattia Binotto says results must improve before the next regulations arrive.
Mattia Binotto: Sauber must build winning habits
Within a month of taking the helm at Sauber, Mattia Binotto has been extremely busy in various departments. The team’s driver situation is still an outstanding issue, with several candidates being considered as potential teammates for Nico Hulkenberg.
Perhaps more pressingly, the Hinwil-based outfit is struggling for performance. The C44 has been relatively uncompetitive throughout the year, but the situation has only worsened since the first round.
Even in the event that front-runners experience DNFs, Sauber will likely be unable to capitalise. Upgrades have been very limited, which has proven costly.
With other midfield teams like Williams and Haas making steady progress, Mattia Binotto is joining a team that continues to fall behind.
Speaking at last weekend’s Italian GP, he explained why Sauber cannot use the 2026 Audi project as an excuse for their current form:
“I think this is the team that has to become, in the future, a winning team. And the only way to do that is starting to move up, progressing,” motorsport.com quotes him as saying.
“We need to train our muscles for the future.
“So yes, I think we need certainly to improve. That’s important for ourselves, that’s important for the team.
“It’s important for the brand. It’s important for our partners. And we cannot somehow accept the current position.”
The former Ferrari team principal makes an important point about the need for urgent progress at Sauber.
After all, even with Audi’s impending arrival in 2026, attracting sponsors and top engineers will be difficult for a team at the back of the field.
Moreover, whilst Audi will introduce their brand new engines with the new regulations, Sauber’s factory in Hinwil will continue to be in charge of developing the chassis and aerodynamics.
In this sense, it is critical for the team to work on their existing methodologies – without compromising performance for the next regulations.
