By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Sauber F1 Team celebrates their 25 years in Formula 1 with an all-new livery on the C36 chassis – their 2017 challenger.
Although he only just joined the Hinwill-based squad in January, new technical director Jorg Zander pushed its development after replacing Mark Smith, whom began the car’s design but left in March last season.
Powered by a year-old Ferrari engine which is likely to hamper its full potential, Zander put a bigger focus on the aerodynamics.
Photo: Sauber F1 Team
“We put greater emphasis on aerodynamic stability as opposed to maximizing downforce,” Zander said.
“Basically, big teams also have an advantage when it comes to major changes in the regulations, but when the cards are reshuffled new opportunities always present themselves as well.”
The C36 is the first car to be produced under Sauber’s new owners Longbow Finance, and team principal Monisha Kaltenborn is positive about the chance to be more competitive.
Together with Longbow Finance S. A., we have great opportunities to be competitive again and to return to previous successes in Formula One,” said Kaltenborn.
“We want to position ourselves with a new approach, and we have already taken the first steps in order to build a solid foundation for the future.”
“We clearly have to improve. With the Sauber C36-Ferrerai we have a solid basis as well as the resources to further develop the Sauber C36-Ferrari through the season. This will be important to establish in mid-field.”
The team scored its only points last year at the Brazilian Grand Prix after Felipe Nasr finished ninth – enough for 10th in the Constructor’s Championship. Although Marcus Ericsson returns for a second term with the team, Nasr has been replaced by former Manor driver Pascal Wehrlein – who will sit out pre-season testing at Barcelona next week as Antonio Giovinazzi fills in.
