Sauber is enduring one of its worst seasons in Formula 1 during 2024 having yet to score a point in the last 18 races.
Their pointless races extend further back to last season when they failed to score in the last five races, having last finished in the points at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.
Sauber has regularly brought upgrades to their car but has seemingly always been on the back foot, with their pit stop problems at the start of the season compounding their issues.
Valtteri Bottas has discussed the main problems with the C44 at length when speaking to AMuS, putting it down to the ‘razor’s edge’ he often has to cope with behind the wheel.
Valtteri Bottas explains the main problems with the C44
Bottas could potentially be on course to not score points in a season for the first time in his F1 career, with his future in doubt beyond the 2024 season.
Sauber is expected to renew his contract but only on a one-year deal, meaning he is likely going to be searching for a seat elsewhere for 2026. Discussing the problems he’s faced with this year’s challenger, it appears he’s struggled to optimise the car balance.
“The car reacts very sensitively to the limit. We are practically always driving on the razor’s edge. The platform is so unstable that bumps or curbs cause us huge problems. The car also reacts very capriciously to the wind. It is difficult for a driver to push without going over the limit in the corners,” said Bottas.
“We have understood the weaknesses better in the last few months, especially after Zandvoort. Perhaps the short break until Austin will help us. The whole team was able to work in the factory. I was driving in the simulator. I expect that we will bring a few new parts for the next race.”

Sauber told what the ‘idea scenario’ is for their 2025 driver lineup
While Bottas is considered the favourite to keep his seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg, the team is having to think of its future beyond the 2025 season when it transitions to being the full-works Audi team.
Gabriel Bortoleto is a contender but McLaren is unwilling to let him leave the team permanently, with a deal on loan to be the only option for a race seat.
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Franco Colapinto is reportedly in talks with Audi over a loan move as Williams want to continue his progression, with James Vowles open to the idea of having him race for them.
With Colapinto going to Sauber it would be the ‘ideal’ scenario for the team according to F1 insiders, as many would like to see what he does over the course of a season.
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