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The Sauber Formula 1 team is currently navigating a turbulent period following the disqualification of their driver, Nico Hulkenberg, from the Bahrain Grand Prix. After a challenging race where Hulkenberg finished in 13th place, the team was blindsided when it was revealed that his car’s skid plank had been worn down to 8.4mm, falling short of the mandatory 9mm thickness. This incident marks the second disqualification of the season for excessive skid wear, with Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari facing a similar fate in China.
Understanding the technicalities behind the disqualification
Beat Zehnder, a veteran at Sauber, expressed his confusion regarding the situation, stating, “Apparently the skids have been measured lower than 9mm.” He elaborated on the rigorous process the team undergoes during practice sessions, where they measure and monitor the car’s performance closely. However, Zehnder admitted that a lack of data from Hulkenberg’s limited laps in FP3 might have contributed to the oversight. “Maybe it had an impact that Nico only did a couple of laps in FP3, so one reference was missing,” he noted, emphasizing the need for thorough checks to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The challenges of the Bahrain circuit
While the Bahrain circuit is known for its bumpy terrain, which can exacerbate plank wear, Zehnder refrained from using this as an excuse. He acknowledged the importance of adapting to the circuit’s characteristics, stating, “You have to take it into account whether you have a circuit where your car is bouncing a lot.” The team is now left to ponder why Hulkenberg’s car was affected while his teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto, was not. The difference in car setup, particularly regarding downforce, may have played a crucial role in this discrepancy.
Looking ahead: Sauber’s performance and strategy
Despite the setback in Bahrain, Sauber’s focus remains on improving their performance in upcoming races. The team has only managed to score points in a chaotic Australian Grand Prix, and the hot conditions in Bahrain revealed a narrower performance window for their 2025 car. Zehnder emphasized the significance of qualifying, stating, “Qualifying is crucial and then it’s very much depending on which train you are in.” He highlighted the need for a substantial lap time difference to effectively compete, noting that clean air is vital for tire performance. The team is determined to find those crucial tenths of a second to enhance their qualifying position, as starting further up the grid can make a significant difference in race outcomes.