“A brand new car” at Sauber gives Bottas hope for 2024

Although he admits not to remember any highlights from Alfa Romeo's disappointing 2023 season, Valtteri Bottas is resolutely optimistic for 2024 with a new concept adopted at Sauber.

Published 17/12/2023 à 17:06

Comment on this article! ¹

Valtteri Bottas optimistic for the 2024 season © Florent Gooden / DPPI

What should we remember from the performance ofAlfa Romeo – Sauber in 2023? Not much. No success, whether in qualifying or in the race, nor big points scored, and a sad ninth place in the Manufacturers' championship just ahead Haas. A very sad, very disappointing season for the Italian-Swiss clan, or even Valtteri Bottas fails to bring out a strong moment this year for his team!

“Qatar… All I remember is that it was hot, joked the extravagant Finn. I don't even know where I ended up. So, what are the highlights? The first race of the season, we had a solid weekend, we scored straight away, everything was looking good…. but it was not easy. There were a few chances to score, but not often enough. So I hope that next year, with a new car, we will have more highlights. »

Alfa Romeo's performances have never been able to bounce back despite the arrival of developments, all equally disappointing one after the other. “So we haven't found anything good throughout the season, regrets Valtteri Bottas. Progress was steady, but it was not enough. At the same time, the other teams made big steps, found new concepts, innovative things, some were perhaps copying other teams. We have only made steady progress, but in this sport that is not always enough. »

Key's arrival welcomed by Bottas

To try to move up the hierarchy in 2024, Sauber – whose official name has not yet been communicated – will make a clean slate for 2023 and should present itself with an all-new C44 next year, under the direction of James Key , back in Hinwil as technical director since September 1st.

“I'm very happy that we're trying to think outside the box a little bit, with all the new people we have on board and who are coming. There is nothing fundamental, but the good thing is that we will have a completely new car, with new ideas and new people in the team, and that is exactly what we need now, rejoices the Finn. So we need to take big steps over the winter. That's the key. »

ALSO READ > Lando Norris, five years in Formula 1: a clever turn?