Sauber’s fresh driver lineup for the 2025 F1 season brings together Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg, both eager to establish a strong presence in the midfield before the Swiss team transitions into Audi’s works F1 team.
The unveiling of Sauber’s 2025 F1 car took place at the iconic O2 Arena in London. The new C45 car, adorned with an eye-catching livery, was introduced by the team’s latest driver additions, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. They shared the spotlight with Mattia Binotto, the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer.
The track debut for the C45 is set for next week’s Bahrain Pre-Season Test. The car’s engineering was guided by James Key, former technical head at McLaren, focusing on pushing the envelope as Sauber aims to firmly position itself in the midfield. The new contender is designed to tackle challenges head-on, crafted to exploit every opportunity in a bid to ascend the ranks.
Sauber describes the C45 as both an evolution and a revolution. “In our final year with the existing regulations, our focus was on a fully re-engineered aerodynamic package, paired with advanced mechanical adjustments under the hood,” said the team. They’ve revamped the cooling system and redesigned the front and rear suspension, all tied together with a sleek black and green theme.
After Bahrain’s testing sessions, the C45 will make its competitive debut in Melbourne come March 16th.
Reflecting on his move from Haas to Sauber, Nico Hulkenberg shared, “Switching teams always brings change, and there’s a myriad of small details to perfect. It’s been a productive few weeks here. There are some familiar faces from my first stint with Sauber, but so much has transformed in a decade. The team spirit is infectious, and our sights are set on improving over last year. Our journey is just beginning, and day by day, our future is revealing itself.”
He continued with enthusiasm, “Being part of this evolution feels fantastic. Alongside Gabriel, I’m set on accelerating our progress. Off-seasons are my least favorite; I’m raring to get behind the wheel for testing and launch into the new season. This challenge excites me!”
Looking forward to his debut, Gabriel Bortoleto commented, “Over the winter, we’ve poured in hard work. I’ve been in the factory, on the simulator, learning as much as I can. Every lap in testing is crucial for my adaptation and preparation.”
He added, “This journey is thrilling, and with the efforts we’ve invested, I truly believe the C45 can make significant strides. The competition is tough, with competitors working hard too, but we have confidence in our progress and are ready to put up a strong fight on the track.”
