Binotto believes Sauber 'no longer the worst car on the grid' after Qatar points

After a dark season, Sauber can end its 2024 campaign with a reason to smile. Last week, after 23 attempts, the Swiss team finally scored its first points in Qatar thanks to the 8th place of Guanyu-Zhou. A counter unlocked in the last moments which allows Mattia Binotto's team not to finish Fanny and to find a reason for satisfaction in this very complicated year.

"These points were really important for us. It shows that in the last races we have improved our car, which is certainly no longer the worst on the grid, assures the Italian leader, present in Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2024 season. It was very important because to be constantly last, not to score points, it is very painful for the team. However, we have made developments that correct [the problems], thanks to the simulator and the wind tunnel. It is encouraging when we look at the development path for next season, it shows that the team is capable of doing well.

Binotto points out the structural gap between Sauber and the Top Teams

Mattia Binotto, head of Sauber and the Audi project F1 since last July, knows that there is still a long way to go for his team before reaching the top. Both on the track... and in terms of infrastructure in Hinvil and human resources within the Swiss team.

“When I joined [Sauber-Audi], the impressions you have on the first day were not necessarily the right ones, but you have to measure the gap with the Top Teams, recognizes the Italian. The people here are great people. It's a great team. We have the foundations to build our future but when I look at the gap, our dimensions are so different compared to a Top Team. We have about 400 fewer employees than a top team, and our manufacturing capacity is less. Our simulator is very old. This engineering capacity is crucial to become a Top Team."

"Now that I've said that, I've seen in the last few months that we've made great improvements, He says. We have signed new drivers for next year, we have a new partner with Qatar which for us is essential to ensure the stability of the team with an injection of capital. We have done things that are right and necessary, to create our own future.

This weekend, Sauber is preparing to close a chapter with its two drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, who will leave the team after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after three seasons with the Swiss team. Both will be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who will be at the wheel of the C44 from this Tuesday, for the post-season tests. A crucial early debut to best prepare for 2025.

“It’s important to move forward, to turn the page. I have to thank Valtteri [Bottas] and Zhou, with what they’ve done in the last three years with Sauber. They’ve helped the team, they’ve driven very well and it wasn’t an easy decision, says Mattia Binotto. Now, the sooner we turn the page, the better. We are moving forward and [Hülkenberg and Bortoleto] will be with us from next week (for the post-season tests, Ed.) to open this new chapter, which is important for us."

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