Audi charges the top of F1 under former Red Bull key boss' leadership

Jonathan Wheatley is spearheading Sauber's charge up the grid as team principal, and they are consistently challenging for points.

The Swiss team have floundered for much of the ground effect era and struggled operationally with some slow pit stops in 2024.

This has caused Sauber to sit near the foot of the standings in recent times, but they are now pushing towards the midfield.

Wheatley moved to Sauber from Red Bull and is revelling in his new role in Switzerland. The Briton has some lofty ambitions for when it transforms into Audi for 2026.

He told Motorsport.com at the Goodwood Festival of Speed: "We have to be humble about the challenge that we face. It's going to be tough to get to the same level as the established teams, and to smash through that level requires a level of momentum.

“But I firmly believe we're going to be there. We're on the road already. We've put ourselves in a position where we were able to capitalise on some wet-weather situations.

“Very soon I'm going to have four rings on a shirt, and I'm going to be the happiest team principal in F1.”

Sauber have improved significantly this year

Sauber only scored points once in a Grand Prix last year as Zhou Guanyu finished in eighth place in Qatar.

They are much more competitive now with the experienced Nico Hulkenberg, complemented by reigning Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.

Both drivers have scored points, and Hulkenberg achieved an emotional first podium in F1 at the British Grand Prix.

There may be more pressure on the Swiss team next year as they become Audi, but Sauber are becoming a very strong midfield team.

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