Sauber’s Formula 1 team has unveiled a bold and daring 2024 car during the launch of its new era as the ‘Stake F1 Team’. This rebranding marks the transition from Sauber’s partnership with Alfa Romeo to becoming Audi’s official works team in 2026. The Stake F1 Team C44, which will make its debut at a shakedown in Barcelona, features a striking new color scheme with fluorescent green accents on a carbon base. Technical director James Key describes the C44 as essentially a completely redesigned car, with only a few elements carried over from its predecessor.
Sauber’s decision to switch from pushrod suspension to a pullrod configuration at the front, while maintaining the pushrod configuration at the rear, mirrors the approach taken by Red Bull and McLaren last year. The team has also made significant aerodynamic changes, following the direction set by Red Bull. The sidepod design has been altered, with the lower edge of the sidepod inlet moved forward and a taller mid-section creating a more concave surface. These modifications give the C44 a distinct appearance, setting it apart from last year’s model.
Key acknowledges that the team had already committed to an ambitious direction prior to his arrival in September. The 2023 Sauber faced challenges with excessive drag and rear-end instability in faster corners. Additionally, tyre management was an area that needed improvement. However, Sauber has made investments in its production and design departments, as well as upgrading its windtunnel and CFD configuration. These enhancements should aid in turning new designs into functional parts and allow for more effective upgrades throughout the season.
Sauber is determined to make significant progress in the midfield battle this year. The team has already highlighted important updates that are currently in development and set to be introduced in the early races. Key describes Sauber’s development plan as aggressive, and the team is eager to see the potential of the new directions they have taken on the track. With a fresh look and a renewed focus on performance, Sauber aims to make a strong impression in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Valtteri Bottas, who is getting ready for his third season with the team and partnering with Zhou Guanyu once again, expressed the need for ambitious goals for 2024.
“I have high expectations,” he stated.
“We definitely have to take a significant step forward and witness substantial progress compared to last year. Frankly speaking, we fell short of the targets we set for ourselves.
“We need to rectify that immediately, elevate our performance, and strive for improvement.”
According to team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the current and upcoming seasons mark a significant transformation process as Sauber transitions into Audi’s official Formula 1 team.
The next two seasons are crucial for establishing a solid foundation, enabling the team to become highly competitive within three years, as desired by Audi.
Both Sauber and Audi are investing in various areas to enhance the team’s performance.
Aside from upgrading the technical infrastructure at Sauber’s headquarters, the team has already recruited more experienced race team personnel, introduced new pitstop equipment, and is actively pursuing technical recruitment.
“This provides us with an opportunity to create new positions and capabilities within the team, while also strengthening our existing strengths,” Key explained.
“We have an excellent chance for the future. We understand that time is limited for preparation, so we are working diligently to ensure everything falls into place.
“It’s a rare opportunity, and everyone is eagerly anticipating the upcoming challenges. We have an incredibly exciting journey ahead of us.”