Sauber know where to improve to pull off a Shanghai surprise

A P7 result in Melbourne secured the team’s first points of the season, and with a condensed Sprint weekend format ahead, the focus is on maximising every opportunity while optimising performance from the sole practice session.

The Chinese Grand Prix weekend will also see the return of F1 Academy, with Emma Felbermayr making her official debut for the team in the series.

Sauber’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Mattia Binotto, acknowledged the positive start to the campaign but stressed the need for further improvement: “The race in Melbourne was definitely an encouraging start to our 2025 campaign, but now we focus on the next race weekend.

"The changing weather allowed us to gather crucial data about how the C45 performs in different conditions, and the team executed flawlessly, which was a positive plus. But it’s also clear that the changing conditions during the race created an opportunity for us to score points," explained Binotto.

"Overall, the car still needs improvement to consistently fight for points in a standard race. That’s why, at this stage, it’s crucial for us to capitalise on every opportunity and continue optimising our performance," said Binotto emphasising the importance of preparation, particularly given the Sprint format in China.

The Sauber boss continued: “Now, we move on to Shanghai, where the Sprint format results in an even stricter agenda. One single practice session means that preparation and quick decision-making will be key, especially given the tight battle for reaching the top ten. We know where we stand and where we need to improve and are ready to take any opportunity that might get across again this weekend.”

Nico Hulkenberg, who secured the team’s first points of the season in Australia, believes the result provided a strong foundation heading into Shanghai: “Starting the season with points in Melbourne was a great result for the team, giving us positive momentum heading into China.

"Sprint Race weekends bring an added level of intensity, and they also introduce a unique dynamic, particularly on Saturday, where every session carries added significance. Immediately after the Sprint, you have to re-focus to concentrate on qualifying for the main race. Our approach remains the same: we need to make the most of every session of the weekend, gathering as much information as possible.”

Hulkenberg, who last raced at the Shanghai International Circuit in 2019, is eager to return to the track: “Shanghai is a track I enjoyed racing on in the past. The aim is to be up and running from the very start, execute our weekend well, and keep pushing forward.”

The crop of Formula 1 rookies on the grid this year were confronted with the most challenging conditions most drivers, even the likes of 20-year veteran Fernando Alonso were caught out by the tricky conditions on race day at Albert Park.

Isack Hadjar slammed the barriers with his Racing Bull on the sighting lap, then Jack Doohan crashed his Alpine on the opening lap, as did Liam Lawson on lap 46 in his Red Bull debut.

A lap earlier, ditto Gabriel Bortoleto, who also binned it. With his debut out of the way, for the Brazilian rookie, the Chinese Grand Prix represents another opportunity to build on his experience from Melbourne: “Australia was a big learning experience for me, and I am looking forward to putting that into practice as I prepare for another race weekend.

"The Sprint format will see us in action right away, but I am ready for the challenge. I spent a lot of time in the simulator getting familiar with Shanghai during the pre-season, and while it definitely is a demanding circuit, I am excited to get out there for the first time.

"The key for us will be to maximise every lap and put everything together when it matters. My goal is to take another step forward and be in the mix in both the Sprint and the main race on Sunday," added Bortoleto.

With Sauber looking to build on its early-season momentum, Shanghai’s Sprint format presents another opportunity to push forward in the battle for points, and if the weather decides to gatecrash Shanghai over the weekend, Melbourne-style opportunities will arise again.