Sauber F1 team reveals livery for 2024

This is a physical and metaphorical showcase of Sauber breaking free of its shackles for 2024, as it embarks on a two-year adventure before welcoming the arrival of Audi as wholesale team owner from 2026.

As unveiled by drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, the new Kick Sauber C44 is more than just a new look, it’s the first to be developed under the leadership of technical director James Key, who joined the team from McLaren mid-way through last season.

Among the major changes is a switch to pull-rod suspension, with visible work done around the side pods and engine cover. Sauber has also voiced its intention to deliver a series of ambitious updates during the opening rounds of 2024.

Following a disappointing season in 2023, in which the team finished ninth in the constructors’ championship, Sauber is clearly preparing to take some risks to get itself back into points-scoring contention.

Speaking at the launch of the new car, Bottas said: “I had a great break, a good time off. I spent some time in Australia and it was great to recharge, reflect, then get back to training. I'm ready to go again.

"We all agree that we want more than last year. The direction from 2022 to 2023 wasn't correct. We didn't meet the targets we set initially.

“Now it's time to turn that ship into another direction. Many things I've seen reflects a lot of the mentality we have as a team. We are all on board as a team – really, really positive winter in terms of development.

"The spirit is high. I really, really believe we have a much better chance now to make that step now compared to this time last year."

Zhou meanwhile will be looking to grow into his role as an F1 driver. He said: “We've been putting in a lot of effort since the last season, especially in the second half of the year, after the summer break, just to make sure that we're understanding exactly where we had to improve as a team and what the plan for the guys back in the factory would be for the winter. Now is the time to put everything together and get the car on track.

"The expectations are high but, at the same time, we won't know where we really stand until we start competing against our rivals. Still, a lot of effort went into the new car and I'm excited to drive it soon."

Both drivers will be under pressure to perform, with the impending arrival of Audi it appears unlikely that either driver will be included in plans for 2026. As ever in F1, however, you’re only as good as your last race, so Bottas and Zhou will both be hoping the new C44 will be a car that can help them convince Sauber, or indeed the rest of the paddock, that they deserve their place on the grid for 2025 and beyond.

When does the 2024 F1 season start?

Pre-season testing for the 2024 F1 season gets underway from Wednesday 21st – Friday 23rd February in Bahrain ahead of the first race of the championship at the same circuit on 2nd March.

The season gets underway a day early this year to accommodate the Muslim holy period of Ramadan, which will see both the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix take place on Saturdays.