Valtteri Bottas has cited the Sauber Formula 1 team’s gap between discovering areas of improvement in the wind tunnel and producing parts for the track as a weakness it must eradicate from 2024 onwards.
The Sauber-owned squad, which ran under the Alfa Romeo guise until the end of last year, capitalised on a regulation reset in 2022 to re-emerge as a consistent points scorer.
But after accruing 51 points across the opening nine rounds, Alfa Romeo was rapidly outdeveloped by its midfield rivals and only narrowly clung onto sixth place in the standing, with only a further four points added during the remainder of that season.
Despite Bottas securing eighth at the season-opener last year, the Swiss outfit’s struggles continued as it slumped to ninth position with just 16 points from 22 rounds.
Having previously admitted the Hinwil-based squad must enhance its rate of development, Bottas reiterated the side must respond quicker once it recognises places to improve.
“For us at the moment, the way we can turn around upgrades [is a key area that needs to be addressed],” he told Autosport.
“At the moment, we find something in the wind tunnel, how long it takes to actually get it in the car… That’s, I would say, one quite big thing compared to some other things.”
The side will be known as ‘Stake F1 Team’ in the next two years as it builds towards the upcoming regulation change in 2026 when it will evolve into a complete works Audi entry.
However, the Sauber Group has reiterated that it is not resting on its laurels ahead of the German marque’s full takeover and is pursuing a new car concept for 2024.
Sauber welcomed James Key into the role of Technical Director late last year as it bids to reverse its downward trend in form, and Bottas has been encouraged by the ex-McLaren engineer’s early assessments.
“Mechanically, a few things here and there in terms of balance tools, but then also aero side [need work],” Bottas continued.
“[Key]’s seen all the numbers and the aero behaviour of the car, the yaw and roll. He’s got fresh in his mind how the McLaren [aero] maps look like. So, he’s seen some things that he definitely agrees that there’s room for improvement.
“Of course, the mind of a guy who’s been in that kind of role starts to roll and lots of ideas are coming. I like him as a person.
“He seems really motivated to deliver and I think he obviously wants to do well.”
Prior to his Sauber move, Bottas had spent five years with Mercedes, where he achieved 10 grand prix victories to help the German manufacturer sustain its run of dominance.
The Finn concedes that his experience representing teams at opposite ends of the grid meant he was able to identify that Sauber’s facilities were lagging behind.
“Some machinery is a bit outdated,” he added. “But I think the team is all sorted at the moment trying to make sure that we don’t have a deficit on that side. But I could notice a difference.
“The good thing is the wind tunnel is very good. The amount of ovens where you’re curing the carbon and stuff like that. And then also human power – way less people actually laminating stuff.”
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