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‘I hate using that word’… David Croft warns the Formula 1 team with 27 podiums that they could soon cease to be ‘relevant’

Posted on by Bobb
‘I hate using that word’… David Croft warns the Formula 1 team with 27 podiums that they could soon cease to be ‘relevant’

David Croft has warned the Formula One team about their future following their hot form for the 2024 season.

Sauber have a rich history in Formula 1, having made their debut in the sport in 1993. During this time, the Swiss team scored one race victory – Robert Kubica in the 2008 race. Canadian Grand Prix. – and 27 podiums.

However, Sauber has fallen on hard times in recent years. Heading to Mexico City Grand Prixthey are the only team that has yet to score points in 2024.

Drivers Valtteri Bottas And Zhou Guanyu desperate to get the most out of the C44, with Zhou recording the team’s best result of 11th at the season opener in Bahrain.

While Sauber are sinking at the bottom of the field on the track, they are making huge strides to improve their fortunes through it. The Swiss outfit will become Audi in 2026 as part of the factory team.

David Croft warns Sauber will no longer be ‘relevant’ in Formula One unless they can improve their form

Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving a (77) Kick Sauber C44 Ferrari on the track during practice for the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix at the Herm...
Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Mattia Binotto joined Sauber as chief operating officer, and Jonathan Wheatley will leave Red Bull at the end of the year to become their team leader.

While these acquisitions will indeed stand them in good stead for their future with Audi, Sauber will have to significantly improve their on-track form in 2025.

Speaking during Sky Sport F1 covering FP3 at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Croft highlighted how big of a task Binotto and Wheatley face and how they could become irrelevant in 2025 if their performances don’t improve.

“Mattia Binotto is doing a great job and Jonathan Wheatley will be the new team manager next year.

“But to ease the transition from Sauber to Audi and keep them, I hate to use the word ‘relevant’, but ‘competitive’ and for next season.”

Sauber is still looking for a co-driver in 2025.

Sauber has already confirmed the signing of the contract. Nico Hulkenberg on a multi-year contract that will see him become an Audi factory driver in 2026. The Swiss team has yet to confirm the German’s teammate for next year and they are considering several potential options to fill the vacancy.

Bottas is believed to be the favorite to retain his seat, while Zhou is expected to move into a reserve driver role for the 2025 campaign.

But Sauber is also looking for candidates beyond the current driver lineup. Binotto confirms talks with Mick Schumacher about a potential return to Formula 1 after a two-year absence.

Gabriel Bortoleto Also an option for the team, but McLaren does not want to let the Brazilian go on a permanent basis. Franco Colapinto tipped to continue his impressive form at Williams to succeed at Sauber, and the Grove team hopes that the Argentine will develop in Formula 1.

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