Sauber enters the Chinese Grand Prix, the first Sprint event of the 2025 Formula 1 season, with a wave of optimism following a standout performance at the Australian Grand Prix.
Nico Hulkenberg’s seventh-place finish in Melbourne delivered the team’s first points of the year, a result that defied expectations and set a promising tone for the campaign.
Now, as the paddock descends on the Shanghai International Circuit for a condensed weekend of racing, Sauber aims to capitalize on this momentum.
However, with just one practice session before the Sprint and Grand Prix action begins, the stakes are high, but both team leadership and Hulkenberg see opportunity amid the intensity.
The Melbourne result wasn’t just a points haul – it was a validation of Sauber’s potential with the C45 car. Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto hailed it as a stepping stone, while Hulkenberg underscored its morale-boosting impact.
As the team prepares for Shanghai’s unique challenges, the focus is on execution, adaptability, and squeezing every ounce of performance from their package.
Binotto’s Take: Encouraging Signs, Room to Grow
“The race in Melbourne was definitely an encouraging start to our 2025 campaign, but now we focus on the next race weekend,” commented Binotto in Sauber’s Shanghai preview.
“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.
Binotto acknowledged that while the result was a triumph, it was partly circumstantial – highlighting areas where the team must evolve.
“Overall, the car still needs improvement to consistently fight for points in a standard race,” he said. “That’s why, at this stage, it’s crucial for us to capitalise on every opportunity and continue optimising our performance.”
With Shanghai’s Sprint format looming, preparation takes on added weight.
“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,” he emphasized.
For Binotto, Shanghai is less about outright pace and more about seizing the moment – a mindset that could prove pivotal in the midfield scrap.
Hulkenberg’s Perspective: Momentum Meets Intensity
The man who delivered Sauber’s P7 at Albert Park views the early success as a launchpad.
“Starting the season with points in Melbourne was a great result for the team, giving us positive momentum heading into China,” Hulkenberg said.
©Sauber
The German veteran, now in his second stint with Sauber, knows the Shanghai weekend will demand more than just raw speed.
“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’s familiarity with Shanghai adds another layer of confidence.
“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,” he said.
©Sauber
Having last competed there in 2019, when he drove for Renault, Hulkenberg brings experience to a circuit known for its challenging Turn 1-2 complex and overtaking-friendly back straight.
His eagerness to return suggests a driver ready to build on Melbourne’s promise, even as the Sprint schedule leaves little room for error.
F1’s midfield battle promises to be fierce once again in Shangahi, with teams like Haas, Alpine, and Williams lurking as potential threats.
Yet, Sauber’s early-season form – bolstered by Hulkenberg’s experience and Binotto’s strategic oversight—positions them well to pounce on any slip-ups from rivals.
Read also: F1i’s Driver Ratings for the 2025 Australian GP
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