Sauber’s New Era: Jonathan Wheatley Takes the Helm
The Sauber Formula 1 team is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of its newly appointed principal, Jonathan Wheatley. Having previously served as the sporting director for Red Bull Racing, Wheatley is now implementing strategies and insights from his time at a top-performing team, and both drivers, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg, are optimistic about the progress being made.
Wheatley stepped into the role of team principal at Sauber just last month, marking a pivotal moment for the team as it prepares for its transition to becoming Audi’s official F1 team ahead of the 2026 season. Before that major shift occurs, Wheatley is determined to revitalize Sauber, which found itself at the bottom of the championship standings, similar to its position last year.
During a recent interview ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Hülkenberg expressed confidence in the positive changes taking shape within the team. “It’s still obviously very early days, but I think the first effects of that are definitely happening, and people also recognize and see that,” he shared. He highlighted the enthusiasm within the factory, as team members are eager to absorb Wheatley’s extensive knowledge and experience garnered from one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history.
Enhancements in Pit Stops
One of the most immediate and noticeable improvements has been in the team’s pit stop performance. Under Wheatley’s guidance, Sauber has started to emulate the efficiency that characterized Red Bull’s operations. During the recent Miami Grand Prix, the team achieved the fastest pit stop, servicing Bortoleto’s car in an impressive 2.24 seconds on lap 19. This swift performance not only reflects the team’s growing efficiency but also marks a significant milestone in their efforts to enhance overall race performance.
Bortoleto, a rookie driver for Sauber, acknowledged these improvements, stating, “I believe we are building this, and Jonathan, together with Mattia, have been doing a very good job together.” He emphasized the significance of the fastest pit stop, expressing pride in the team’s accomplishments and noting that the progress may not be immediately visible to outsiders. “So, huge congratulations to the team for that, and we are making more progress that maybe people don’t see yet, but us inside the team can see it clearly.”
Acknowledging the Long Road Ahead
While rapid pit stop improvements are a commendable achievement, both Bortoleto and Hülkenberg are aware that this is just one aspect of a successful Formula 1 campaign. The team still faces the challenge of improving its overall pace to enhance qualifying and race results.
Bortoleto, with a realistic view of the situation, stated, “Absolutely I think we are making progress. It doesn’t mean that because you have someone new, it’s going to appear in one month. It’s a process, it takes time.” He drew parallels to the experiences of other teams, noting that most successful teams in F1 did not achieve instant success. “Like everything in life, like all the other teams, if you see all the teams that have been world champion in the past – only Brawn joined F1 and won straight away [in 2009]. All the others took some time.”
This perspective illustrates the understanding within Sauber that meaningful transformation is a gradual process. The team recognizes its limitations and is committed to pushing its boundaries to achieve better results. Hülkenberg reiterated the need for continual effort, underscoring that Sauber is aware of the work necessary to elevate its performance in the highly competitive F1 landscape.
Looking Ahead
As Sauber continues to adapt to its new leadership and pursue advancements in performance, the drivers and team members remain focused on their goals. The excitement surrounding the upcoming changes and the potential for improvement within the team is palpable. With a new vision and a commitment to excellence, Sauber is positioning itself for a brighter future in Formula 1.
As the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix approaches, the team is keen to build on its recent successes and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The combination of Wheatley’s experience and the dedication of the entire team creates a promising outlook as they work toward achieving their objectives on the track.
Conclusion
In summary, the arrival of Jonathan Wheatley as Sauber’s new team principal marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the organization. His expertise and innovative approach are already having a positive impact, particularly in areas such as pit stop efficiency. While the team acknowledges that substantial progress takes time, the determination to improve is evident. As they gear up for the challenges ahead, Sauber is on a path to enhance its competitiveness and redefine its place in Formula 1.
