Sauber have failed to increase the points tally since the Australian GP, where Nico Hulkenberg capitalised on the chaotic conditions to finish in 7th.
The Swiss team’s failure to score more points has left them at the bottom of the standings, albeit just one point behind Alpine in 9th.
Still, their relative proximity to the Enstone team in the Championship does not show the C45’s limitations this year.
In qualifying, the Hinwil-based team are fast enough to challenge for Q2.
On race day, however, their limitations become far clearer and ultimately prevent them from finishing in the top 10.
Because of this, their Spanish GP updates could be integral to rescuing their campaign.
Sauber begin 2025 where the left off in 2024
At the end of last season, a series of updates at the Las Vegas GP made Sauber competitive again.
Zhou Guanyu fought for points in Vegas, his first race with the new components, before crossing the line in 8th at Qatar.
Valtteri Bottas would later make Q3 in the final race of the season, as Sauber managed to make themselves a factor in the midfield once more.
So far this year, the Swiss team’s competitiveness is comparable to what it was then.
They are no longer in the same position they were twelve months ago – where even in qualifying they struggled to bother the midfield.
Still, they are undoubtedly lacking a few tenths to fight for points on merit – or even be in a position to capitalise on the misfortune of others.
So far this year, much of the discourse surrounding the Hinwil team has centred on their 2026 Audi transition.
However, their transformation for the new regulations does not automatically make this year a write-off.
Upgrades could change course
The upcoming technical directive has been mentioned on numerous occasions in F1 media outlets, not least on LWOS.
Fundamentally, this weekend’s changes to flexi-wings could impact the pecking order.
In such a competitive field, it only takes a two-tenth swing to push a team from making Q3 to the jaws of Q1 elimination.
Additionally, upgrades – such as the package Sauber are bringing – could determine how effectively teams adjust to this new directive.
Should the Swiss team make a forward step, they could find themselves benefiting from the stagnation or regression of other midfield teams.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s action, Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley discussed his expectations:
“Barcelona marks a return to competitive racing at a circuit where aero performance is paramount.
“So we should see the impact of the new front wing regulations.
“Monaco was always going to be dominated by the lack of overtaking opportunities which allowed some teams to entirely mitigate the normal pit stop losses.
“Barcelona should give us a clear picture of how our new upgrade package will affect our competitiveness.
“The team has been working hard back home in Hinwil and our focus is on getting familiar with the new parts.
“With a view to putting ourselves in a more consistently competitive position heading into the next phase of the season.”
Main photo: Peter Fox/LAT Images (via Sauber media gallery)
