Why Sauber’s Dutch Grand Prix performance was really ‘concerning’ ahead of Audi takeover

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The Dutch Grand Prix was a miserable race for Sauber after they failed to score points for the 16th race in a row.

Zhou Guanyu finished last while Valtteri Bottas finished in P19 after starting from P17 and P16 on the grid respectively, having been the only drivers to be lapped twice by Lando Norris.

Sauber has not had the easiest 2024 season after turning up to the first few races with a wheel nut problem and while they are currently the only team not to finish inside the top 10, Bottas and Zhou have at least been able to fight for positions in the midfield.

Both drivers were unable to do this at Zandvoort as they seemingly tumbled down the order, showing just how much work the team has to do before it can credibly score points and catch up to rivals.

Discussing their form on The Race podcast, journalist Edd Straw believes Sauber is heading on a ‘worrying’ trajectory this season.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future

Sauber heading on a ‘worrying’ trajectory in 2024

Sauber is currently riding out the next year and a half before it it fully taken over by Audi, who will be entering the grid in 2026 as a chassis-maker and power unit manufacturer.

While their form is likely not doing much to encourage Audi ahead of their arrival, Straw believes the team will need to find solutions quickly if they want to be seen as an appealing option for drivers amid talk of who will take up their second seat from 2025.

“The Sauber trajectory is just nothing. They’re not able to make any consistent progress. So that’s what really, really worries me there,” said Straw.

“I feel that the amount of squandering of this Audi run-up to 2026 that’s been going on is concerning me and they don’t necessarily deserve sympathy from that perspective.”

Audi urged to ‘snub’ Valtteri Bottas in favour of Mick Schumacher

Out of the two current drivers, Bottas is the most likely to get a seat for 2025 as Zhou has done little to prove to Audi that he is a driver that can make a difference.

Although Zhou could bring significant sponsorship from Chinese investors, it would be better to go with a safe pair of hands in Bottas if he does get the nod after Audi missed out on Carlos Sainz.

READ MORE: Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin

The team has also been urged to consider Mick Schumacher who is currently being rumoured as a short-term replacement for the underperforming Logan Sargeant.

The feeling behind having Schumacher instead of Bottas is due to the Finn looking unmotivated this year, and they should instead give it to a driver hungry for a comeback like Schumacher.