When Mattia Binotto joined Sauber in August 2024, he wasn’t expecting any miracles from the team. But what he found there almost shocked him. A team stuck in neutral, with no points, no momentum, and.. no clear direction.
“When I came in, there was not only zero points, but really even no plans nor developments,” Binotto said. “That’s what concerned me the most.”
The team was entirely focused on the future – on 2026 – when Audi’s full entry into Formula 1 begins. For Binotto, this approach didn’t sit right. Racing is about the here and now, not just the distant horizon.
“Everything was only focused on ’26” he explained, “but that was for me somehow a problem because I think that a team needs always to fight on track. It’s only by fighting, competing on track, that you can understand how good you’re doing and if whatever you’re doing is going in the right direction.”
What Binotto encountered was what he described as “a team that was almost frozen”.
Sauber Breaks the Ice in December
It wasn’t a season to celebrate, but by the end of 2024, Sauber finally managed to scrape some points. An upgrade package introduced in Las Vegas gave Zhou Guanyu the tools to secure eighth place in Qatar. Four points might not sound like much, but it was something to build on.
The late-season push wasn’t about the points alone. For Binotto, it was a chance to lay down a marker for the team’s attitude going forward. “Finishing 10th with zero points or 10th with four points doesn’t change much,” he admitted. “But it was more for us to make sure that we have defined the proper direction of development for next season as well—and being energised through the wintertime.”
The team needed energy, belief, and by the time the season ended, there were signs of both.
Building a Better Car for 2025
Binotto has his hands full. Sauber’s journey isn’t about instant fixes, but he’s already seeing progress. “Today, I can see a team that is more convinced on what’s required, what’s necessary for next season, and hopefully we can further develop the current car,” he said.
The driver lineup also brings fresh possibilities. Nico Hulkenberg joins as a veteran presence, while Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto steps into the big leagues. Together, they represent a mix of experience and high potential—exactly what Sauber needs.
Jonathan Wheatley, formerly of Red Bull, will add even more expertise as he takes over as Team Principal. A new structure, a renewed focus—everything is in place to make strides forward.
Binotto’s arrival marked a moment of reckoning for Sauber. The team he found in August wasn’t competing. It wasn’t learning. But as 2025 begins, there’s something different in the air.
There’s no talk of overnight success. Binotto knows better than that. But at least Sauber isn’t frozen anymore. It’s moving. And for a team on the brink of transformation, that’s the first step that matters.
