The Sauber team is gearing up for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix with crucial upgrades. Amidst a fierce competition at the forefront, the Swiss team is pulling out all the stops to secure their first points. Pitstops have been a particular area of concern. For team boss Alessandro Alunni Bravi, it’s now a ‘do or die’ situation.
While Stake F1 Team (Sauber) has been garnering attention regarding its future line-up and collaboration with Audi, it has been dropping the ball in the current season. Troublesome pitstops have repeatedly caused issues. Due in part to poor tire changes, Stake has yet to score points in 2024. Sauber team boss Alessandro Alunni Bravi plans to follow the lead of the major teams and implement upgrades to the C44 at Imola.
Major Upgrades on the Horizon
“At Imola, we will introduce significant upgrades,” says the Sauber chief to total-motorsport.com. “Not only in the pitstops, but also in the form of new parts.” According to Bravi, the first European Grand Prix will be a crucial benchmark for the rest of the season. “This is a pivotal change for the team. It’s all or nothing for the next three to four races – this will determine whether we can compete for points.”
Future Prospects
While drivers Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou are yet to score, Sauber has signed a contract with Nico Hülkenberg. If the team continues as Audi in 2026, it promises to be a formidable opponent for the top teams.