Nico Hülkenberg and Sauber head to F1 Chinese Grand Prix with ‘positive momentum’

Formula 1’s 75th campaign delivered some surprises in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The drivers on the podium were largely in line with expectations, as Lando Norris held off Max Verstappen to claim victory while George Russell finished third. But the rest of the top ten delivered some surprises.

Perhaps the biggest? Nico Hülkenberg finished seventh for Sauber, delivering six critical points for the team after they finished last in the Constructors’ Championship a season ago.

When they scored just four all year.

Now as the grid heads to Shanghai for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, the veteran driver believes Sauber has some “positive momentum” at their backs.

“Starting the season with points in Melbourne was a great result for the team, giving us positive momentum heading into China,” said Hülkenberg in the team’s media preview.

On the other side of the garage, it was a mixed debut for rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. The 2024 F2 Drivers’ Champion advanced to Q2 in his first F1 qualifying session — outperforming his teammate — but saw his Australian Grand Prix end with a spin in wet conditions on Lap 45.

“Australia was a big learning experience for me, and I am looking forward to put that into practice as I prepare for another race weekend,” described Bortoleto.

Mattia Binotto, the team’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, was measured in his analysis.

“The race in Melbourne was definitely an encouraging start to our 2025 campaign, but now we focus on the next race weekend,” began Binotto. “The changing weather allowed us to gather crucial data about how the C45 performs in different conditions, and the team executed flawlessly, which was a positive plus.

“But it’s also clear that the changing conditions during the race created an opportunity for us to score points. Overall, the car still needs improvement to consistently fight for points in a standard race. That’s why, at this stage, it’s crucial for us to capitalize on every opportunity and continue optimizing our performance.”

The team will need to optimize that performance over the first F1 Sprint race weekend of the season. Both Hülkenberg and Bortoleto realize that the format means every session carries “significance,” and requires focus.

“Sprint race weekends bring an added level of intensity, and they also introduce a unique dynamic, particularly on Saturday, where every session carries added significance. Immediately after the sprint, you have to re-focus to concentrate on the qualifying for the main race,” said Hülkenberg. “Our approach remains the same: we need to make the most of every session of the weekend, gathering as much information as possible.”

“The Sprint format will see us in action right away, but I am ready for the challenge. I spent a lot of time in the simulator getting familiar with Shanghai during the pre-season, and while it definitely is a demanding circuit, I am excited to get out there for the first time,” added the rookie Bortoleto. “The key for us will be to maximize every lap and put everything together when it matters. My goal is to take another step forward and be in the mix in both the Sprint and the main Race on Sunday.”

For Binotto, preparation and “quick decision-making” will be key for Sauber, if they are to deliver another surprise result in Shanghai.

“Now, we move on to Shanghai, where the Sprint format results in an even stricter agenda. One single practice session means that preparation and quick decision-making will be key especially given the tight battle for reaching the top ten,” said the Sauber boss.

“We know where we stand and where we need to improve and are ready to take any opportunity that might get across again this weekend.”