Motorsport Week continues its annual team-by-team review and ratings. Today it's time to look at how the much improved Sauber did this season with Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc and the departing IndyCar-bound Marcus Ericsson.
In the early-mid 2000s Sauber epitomised the role of plucky underdog, and even as recently as 2012/13 it was still bagging solid results. But it lost its way and its mere survival was briefly threatened during a chastening spell that it has now put fully in the past. Under the tutelage of the driven Frederic Vasseur the team thrived in 2018, facilitated by a return to current-year Ferrari power units and the presence of the ever-improving Charles Leclerc. The team was better in every area year-on-year and its altered developmental approach, of making small gains rather than being reliant on substantial updates, bore fruit. 2018 was about laying the foundations for the future, and in that regard it has been a fine campaign. It has gone from firm backmarker to attracting a World Champion in the space of just 12 months. Chapeau.
If they were a football team they’d be: Everton. A change in approach and management has led to a turnaround to where they should be.
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Best Race: Mexico was a prime example of proper team work. |  |
Worst Race: China was poor, but Italy was a let-down after high expectations. |
Expectations were understandably high on Leclerc and the first three races were a baptism of fire – none more so than in Bahrain, where he learned a valuable lesson after trying to dictate strategy. But he grew rapidly and a breakthrough came when he dialled in understeer to a tail-happy car, and that he was so quick at adapting to a different style – and one that worked so well in F2 – spoke volumes over his ability. From then on he was more often than not superb. Leclerc dragged the car into Q3, picked up points regularly, and was still improving through to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. 2019 will be a new ball game but everything to this date suggests he has what it takes to thrive.
Where to improve: He only has 19 Grands Prix under his belt so there is huge capacity to improve, but he soaks up information and gains at a rapid rate. The off-track spotlight will shine 10 times brighter from now on.
Surprising Stat: He was the only driver without a reprimand or penalty point this year.
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Best Race: Drive in Russia to lead midfield, via around-the-outside move on Kevin Magnussen, was outstanding. | |
Worst Race: Dismal display in China forced a rethink – and it worked. |
This was by far the underrated Ericsson’s strongest season in Formula 1 and that he was largely overshadowed by Leclerc was more indicative of the Monegasque’s talent than Ericsson’s deficiencies. Ericsson’s tyre preservation ability was an oft unheralded trait – and earned him points on more than one occasion – and he can consider himself unlucky not to have almost doubled his tally amid Brazilian exit. But that is tempered by an all-too-regular lack of pace in qualifying, a crucial black mark in an ultra-competitive midfield where passing is difficult. He only bested Leclerc four times. Considering his near 100-race career he has proven what he can do – and the time is right to move on. IndyCar may be in for a pleasant surprise mind.
Where to improve: One-lap pace. Less crucial in IndyCar but in F1 his Saturday result too often left him playing catch-up on Sundays.
Surprising Stat: He finished his career with as many penalty points as championship points (18).
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Best Race: It probably would have been Brazil without half the car breaking. | |
Worst Race: Canada was fairly dire, early GB exit a little silly. |
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