Sauber Boss Defiant on P6 Hopes After Mexico GP

Despite a challenging Mexico Grand Prix, Sauber Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley remains optimistic that the team can still achieve P6 in the constructors' championship. Gabriel Bortoleto secured a single point with a P10 finish, while Nico Hulkenberg retired, leaving Sauber ninth in the standings with four rounds remaining.

Why it matters:

The midfield battle in Formula 1 is incredibly tight, with just 12 points separating Sauber from Racing Bulls in sixth place. Securing P6 would represent a significant achievement for the Swiss-based team, boosting their financial standing, team morale, and competitive profile within the sport. It would also validate the continuous improvements Wheatley observes.

The details:

• Sauber currently sits P9 in the constructors' championship with 60 points.
• Only 12 points separate Sauber from Racing Bulls in P6, with Aston Martin and Haas positioned between them.
• The Mexico Grand Prix saw Gabriel Bortoleto finish P10, earning one point, while Nico Hulkenberg retired from the race.
• Jonathan Wheatley acknowledged that Haas 'took a big chunk' of points in Mexico, dropping Sauber to P9.
• Mathematical Possibility: Wheatley emphasized that P6 is still 'mathematically' within reach, stating that 'one good weekend can swing it in a completely different direction.'
• Continuous Improvement: Wheatley highlighted the team's ongoing progress, noting, 'I can feel the continuous improvement... I can feel the gains every race weekend.'
• Underdog Spirit: He also recognized the challenge of competing against more 'established' teams with long-standing engineering departments, but expressed his determination, 'I love it. It's a championship. We're in the hunt. And I'll never give up until it's mathematically impossible.'

The big picture:

The 2025 season's midfield battle is one of the most intense in recent memory, with several teams vying for crucial positions in the constructors' championship. Every point gained or lost has a magnified impact. For Sauber, a team in a period of growth and development, securing a higher championship position is vital for its long-term aspirations and ability to attract talent and investment.

What's next:

With four rounds left, including two sprint races, the fight for P6 will be decided in the upcoming races. Sauber will need near-perfect execution and potentially a strong result from both drivers in one or more events to bridge the gap. Their performance in the remaining races will be critical to fulfilling Wheatley's defiant optimism and achieving their ambitious target.