Sauber have now copied one crucial part of Ferrari’s 2026 development plan after impressive Austrian Grand Prix

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Sauber continued their incredible progression in Formula 1 at the Austrian Grand Prix with a double points finish.

It marked the first time the Hinwil-based outfit had both cars in the points since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. Nico Hulkenberg grabbed his third points finish in a row with ninth, while Gabriel Bortoleto scored his first F1 points with an impressive P8.

The Brazilian displayed strong pace all weekend in the C45, putting in times close to the frontrunners before making it to Q3 for the first time in his career.

Hulkenberg has been ‘very impressed’ by Bortoleto and how quickly he has adapted to F1. The rookie has already outqualified his experienced teammate on several occasions and has proved vital in helping Sauber move up the pecking order.

Many would have expected the Swiss outfit to be at the bottom of the standings in 2025, given their recent struggles at the back of the grid. However, they have turned a corner under the guidance of Jonathan Wheatley, as they sit ninth, just two points behind Aston Martin.

Sauber are copying Ferrari as they are now exclusively using the wind tunnel for 2026

Wheatley says Sauber have a ‘racing car now’ as they look like a team that can, and are, regularly challenging for points.

Their results will put them in good stead for what is an exciting future for the team. Sauber will become Audi next season as the German manufacturer join the sport for the new technical regulations coming into effect in 2026.

Several teams are contemplating when to shift focus to 2026 and abandon their efforts this season to get a head start on the new regulations. It seems that Sauber are now taking inspiration from Ferrari, who currently supply their engines.

In a report from Blick, Sauber are not due to bring further upgrades to the C45. Now, ‘the entire focus is on Audi’, as they are ‘exclusively’ running the wind tunnel for the 2026 car.

Lewis Hamilton has been urging Ferrari to focus on 2026, with them now running their wind tunnel for next year’s car. While they do plan to bring further upgrades to the SF-25, Sauber are putting all their efforts into Audi’s arrival.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Sauber from team principal to 2026 Audi future

What are Audi’s prospects when they join F1 in 2026?

Audi are one of the biggest unknowns heading into 2026. Not only are they a new team, but they are also a new engine supplier.

The German manufacturer have had incredible success in every motorsport discipline they have entered. But F1 is an entirely new category, with no one knowing whether their power unit will be competitive under the new regulations.

Mattia Binotto says Audi ‘won’t have the best’ engine on the grid in 2026. But Wheatley has helped to build the foundations for what will be an interesting project over the next few years.

F1 Oversteer understands Hulkenberg and Bortoleto will drive for Audi next season. There had been doubts from the team about Sauber’s driver line-up, but their current form will certainly be giving them reason to be excited.