Efficient development in 2018 at Sauber

From a mixed start to the season, Alfa Romeo Clean F1 Team reached a much more interesting level of performance in the second half of 2018, Charles Leclerc finishing in the top 10 six times over the last seven Grands Prix, with three consecutive seventh places, and regular appearances in Q3 in qualifying.

An increase in speed in particular possible thanks to an aero development cycle perhaps smaller than several teams on the grid, but very efficient.

“We had a very good correlation (between simulation and track) throughout the season, admits Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal of the Hinwil training on the F1 site. We haven't made that many updates, but every time we did it was as expected. We never took a step back, which doesn't happen often. »

A new step forward in 2019?

Equipped with a Ferrari block that has become for many one of the best on the field, the C37 nevertheless saw its development stop relatively early. Work on the future car 2019 should also benefit from the arrival of Simone Resta, from the Team Ferrari.

“Simone is a team player and he knows that each member of the team is essential to success, believes Beat Zehnder, Team Manager of Alfa Romeo Sauber F1. He is very good at motivating the team. I am 100% sure that he will change some parts of the car, which will make it faster and bring more success. »

Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi will be the two spearheads of Sauber in 2019, with the Finn returning to the team from his debut in F1.