Sauber’s Prolific Upgrade Cycle in the 2025 Formula 1 Season

The Swiss racing powerhouse, Sauber, has been making waves with its aggressive upgrade strategy during the opening races of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The team aims to demonstrate a positive trend to Audi and simultaneously enhance its back-home processes.

Upgrades and Performance Enhancements

Sauber unveiled a revised floor and rear wing assembly for the Japanese Grand Prix, following trials of a new front wing in Australia and new sidepods in China. This rapid pace of updates seems to be a departure from its 2024 strategy, where it appeared to focus more on preparations for 2026.

Performance director Stefano Sordo attributes the team’s poor performance in the 2024 season, which yielded only four points courtesy of Zhou Guanyu’s eighth-place finish in Qatar, to the introduction of a new floor that provided a late but much-needed boost.

The Need for Continuous Development

When asked by Autosport if Sauber had changed its approach, Sordo explained that the team felt it necessary to accelerate its development to improve both its performance and infrastructure.

We obviously had a very bad season last year, and with Audi coming in, we have to show that we are in a positive trend,” Sordo stated. He emphasized the importance of developing not only the car but also the tools, as they would aid in the development of the next car.

Sordo explained that the team had targeted an increase in downforce with its new floor, ensuring it did not compromise the driveability of the C45 chassis. He added that the floor was open to further development, with modifications planned for the diffuser, floor fences, and edge for Suzuka.

Balancing Performance and Driveability

Sordo acknowledged the challenge in finding the optimal design balance, as it’s easy to overstep the mark and compromise performance. He emphasized the importance of data collection and tool calibration to navigate this delicate balance.

The floor is developed in stages, with the first stage focusing on the main surfaces, followed by more detailed modifications in later stages. This approach allows Sauber to react to any issues that may arise with other surfaces.