Jun 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Kick Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg (27) during FP1 practice at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Formula 1 Mid Season Guide for Kick Sauber F1 by The Playoffs!

A step by step guide for McLaren F1's 2025 F1 season after the British Grand Prix

Jun 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Kick Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg (27) during FP1 practice at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Kick Sauber F1 are making a huge statement in the 2025 Formula 1 season. They were the worst team in the 2024 Formula 1 season. The team hardly won 4 points in the previous Formula 1 season. Kick Sauber are going to face a huge takeover next season in Formula 1. They are making steady progress in 2025 with the help of their new team structure. Kick Sauber is among the few teams which have made consistent progress this season. They are also the only team to win a podium among the six midfield contenders.

The saga continues in Spa 💚

Through Eau Rouge and beyond, it’s time for the #BelgianGP 🇧🇪

🎨🖌️ Juan Alcalá pic.twitter.com/3d7ocIzn2U
— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) July 24, 2025

Season Recap- Kick Sauber F1

When the season started, nobody ever expected Sauber to bring forth any good results. Their dismal performance in the 2024 season left everyone unimpressed. However, right from the get go, Sauber showed that they mean business in 2025. Nico Hülkenberg took charge for the tam and completely dominated the midfield performance in the first few races.

The rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto, was slowly coming upto speed with Nico and following in the footsteps of the German. Gabi and Hulk were constantly displaying extreme pace during races. The only handicap they had was during the qualifying sessions. Incidentally, Nico Hülkenberg has been able to claim Top-10s from the back of the grid numerous times in the first half of the season.

Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto have been working hard to get the team upto speed before their takeover by Audi. At this point, Sauber’s rapid growth is making a dangerously fast team in the midfield. In the upcoming season, Kick Sauber is showing the potential to reach the front rows and podiums. Kick Sauber’s first half has been impressive but it does need a few amendments to claim the best spot in the midfield.

Kick Sauber 2025 Highlights

Championship Standing	6
Points	41
Top-5s	2
Top-10s	6

Kick Sauber Driver H2H- Nico Hülkenberg vs Gabriel Bortoleto

	Nico Hülkenberg – GER	Gabriel Bortoleto – BRA
Standings	9	19
Points	37	4
Top-5s	2	0
Top-10s	5	1

Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg are a balanced pair racing together in the 2025 season for Sauber. Hulkenberg is clearly the lead of the team who is bringing forth results and important data. Gabriel Bortoleto is in his rookie season in Formula 1 after winning the championship title in F2 last year.

Nico and Mattia celebrating with the team that made it possible 💚

Next up: Spa 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/hoC4KcOqnW
— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) July 8, 2025

Initially, it was Hulkenberg who claimed spotlight at Sauber. The F2 champion and rookie, Bortoleto was unable to create a lasting impression amongst the other talents which joined F1 alongside him. In Gabi’s defence, Sauber’s car was extremely slow and unable to make it out of Q1 most of the times in qualifying. However, Gabriel Bortoleto did not fade away. Instead, after the upgrades started pouring in, Gabi’s speed and results improved considerably.

The two teammates have been working together in the 2025 season. Hulk already gave Sauber their first podium in 13 years at the British GP. Gabi’s performance is also giving him a good reputation in the team. Team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, has been highly appreciative of Gabi’s work and efforts.

Comparison vs 2024- How Does the Team Fare Against Their Results from Last Season?

Here’s a comparison of Kick Sauber and their driver’s results compared to the previous season-

(2024 – 2025)	Kick Sauber Ferrari	Nico Hülkenberg – GER	Gabriel Bortoleto – BRA
Standings	10 – 6	11 – 9	NA – 19
Points	0 – 41	22 – 37	NA – 4
Top-5s	0 – 2	0 – 2	NA – 0
Top-10s	0 – 6	5 – 5	NA – 1

Looking back at the first half of their 2025 season, Sauber should be proud of their achievements. Nico Hülkenberg is also a prime example of how no-one can be underestimated in Formula 1 racing. People did not expect anything in the sport from either of these two, but in 2025, they have been proving critics wrong at every single stage. Gabriel Bortoleto has been doing a good job so far. The Brazilian needs to keep up with his teammate.

Key Predictions and Challenges for the Second Half of 2025 Season

Sauber’s biggest challenge is qualifying performance. It has shown that the cars have enough pace to turn things around in the race itself. However, starting positions on the grid are incredibly necessary for the drivers. Kick Sauber F1 need to create a better car in order to claim a good spot in qualifying and maximising their chances of claiming better points.

TEAM STANDINGS (after 12 rounds)

Hulkenberg's podium sees @stakef1team_ks move up three places to sixth! 👏#F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/DHN0ca6MxU
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 6, 2025

The Kick Sauber F1 team is going good in the past races. They have won points consecutively for the last four weekends with Nico Hülkenberg. Not getting ahead of ourselves, we should not expect the Hulk or Gabi to gain another podium finish in the latter half of the season so easily. After all, the team is still a midfield competitor. Sauber can try to overtake Williams who have failed down in speed recently. They are on a good track and just need to capitalise on points as much as possible.

The 2025 Formula 1 season is set for Sauber. The team is ready to make moves in the upcoming championship next season. Hopefully, they will finish the season as the best team among the midfielders.

Formula 1

Formula 1 2025 Season

Gabriel Bortoleto

Kick Sauber F1

Nico Hulkenberg

Rohan Singh

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.