Sauber has made significant changes to its management structure as it prepares for its transformation into an Audi factory team in 2026. The Swiss squad has appointed former Ferrari Formula 1 strategist Ignacio Rueda as its new Sporting Director, while long-time Sauber head Beat Zehnder has been reassigned to a supervisory role. Other key hires include the return of Giampaolo Dall’Ara as Head of Racing Engineering and the arrival of Stefan Strahnz from Mercedes as Programme Director.
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Carlos Sainz has gained valuable insights into the complex and politically-charged world of Formula 1 contract negotiations. The Ferrari driver reveals the importance of trust, skepticism, and a long-term mindset when weighing his options for the future.
In a bid to rectify his recent struggles, Zhou Guanyu will return to his old Formula 1 chassis, used until the 2024 Imola round, after his Sauber team identified an issue with his newer one. The Chinese driver has endured a difficult period since switching to a second chassis of the season at Imola, including a Monaco practice shunt and two crashes at Montreal.
With his Sauber contract expiring at the end of the 2023 season, Zhou Guanyu is exploring all options to secure his Formula 1 future. The Chinese driver has revealed he would be open to rejoining Alpine in 2025, as he assesses his choices to remain on the grid.
Sauber has announced the appointment of Stefano Battiston as its new Chief Commercial Officer, effective June 1, 2024, as the team gears up for its transition into Audi in 2026. This strategic move is part of Sauber’s ongoing preparations to welcome Audi, the German automotive giant, as it makes its debut in the sport.
The 2024 Formula 1 season is witnessing a surge of innovation as teams explore the potential of semi-detached rear wing tip solutions. From Aston Martin and Alpine’s pioneering designs to the diverse adaptations by Sauber, Mercedes, and Red Bull, the race is on to recoup lost performance and stay ahead of the pack.
Sauber has appointed Stefano Sordo as its new Formula 1 Performance Director, a key addition as the team gears up for its transition into an Audi works team in 2026. Sordo, with a wealth of motorsport experience, will report to Technical Director James Key and play a pivotal role in unlocking the team’s performance potential.
In a disheartening qualifying session, Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu struggled to make an impact, leaving them with an uphill battle for the Formula 1 race in Montreal. The team has opted for significant car changes, including a switch to an older rear wing specification, as they aim to bridge the performance gap and maximize their opportunities.
Sauber’s decision to make changes to Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu’s cars under parc ferme regulations means both drivers will start the Canadian Grand Prix from the pit lane, further compounding the team’s struggles this season.
Formula 1 teams have been busy making significant design changes to their cars ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. From Mercedes’ revised front suspension and wing to Red Bull’s new rear wing and Sauber’s beam wing updates, these technical innovations demonstrate the relentless pursuit of performance in the sport.