F1 Team's Time In Formula One Questioned By Former Driver - "Spin their Wheels Around The Same Place"

Sauber's goal in Formula 1 remains unclear to Martin Brundle.

Following a string of underwhelming performances in recent years, former driver and Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle has raised doubts about the purpose of the Sauber F1 team in Formula 1. He questions the team's objectives, given its lacklustre performance in recent times.

The team's most recent victory was secured in 2008 when it claimed the Canadian Grand Prix with the help of Polish driver Robert Kubica. But overall, out of its bank of 465 GPs, it has just one victory to boast about. 

If the latest rebranding effort until 2026 is to be confirmed, the team will now be called Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber for the next season, which comes after the end of its four-year partnership with Alfa Romeo this season.

Speaking of the 2023 season, the team managed to save itself from ending up at the bottom of the constructors' championship, as it rests above Haas in P9 with 16 points. But last year, the team managed a P6 finish with 55 points. Though Brundle terms the driver setup with Valtteri Bottas as a "solid setup," the team's inconsistency has often come in the way of capitalizing on its strengths. 

Looking back at Sauber's performance on Sky Sports F1 Review Show, the former driver questioned the existence of the team and its goals in Formula 1. Brundle said:

“They’ve shown some pace from time to time, not so much this season as last year.

“But particularly with Valtteri Bottas I think it’s a solid set-up, let’s call it Sauber, I’ve always wondered kind of why they existed, what they were aiming for, where’s the goal when with other teams it’s quite clear what they’re trying to do.

“But it’s a serious team based in Switzerland, they’ll launch the car in Great Britain in 2024. I wouldn’t underestimate them but they just seem to spin their wheels around the same place in the world championships.

“So, something needs to change, that change could of course well be Audi progressively taking the team over ready for a 2026 onslaught.”