2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Preview
Hinwil, 16 September 2025 – Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber heads to Azerbaijan after an encouraging showing in Monza, where Gabriel Bortoleto’s eighth place put the team back in the points-scoring positions. The result reinforced the progress made in recent races and reflects the focus and motivation with which the team is approaching the season. Baku’s street circuit will bring its own unique challenges, with its narrow sections combined with one of the longest straights on the calendar. The aim remains clear: keep building on recent form and remain competitive in the ever-closer midfield fight.
Team Quotes
Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal: “Being back in the points in Monza was a morale boost for everyone: we’ve been focused on both the quality and consistency of our performance, and we are seeing the results of this work on track. With competition in the midfield so tight and an opportunity for points, it was frustrating for Nico not to start the race, and we’ve worked hard back at the factory to understand the issue and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Baku is an interesting mix of demanding street sections where precision is key, and fast sections where overtakes are possible. As with all our recent races, we want to be in the mix to score points based on outright performance as well as taking opportunities when they arise.”
Nico Hulkenberg (car number 27): “The Sunday in Monza was obviously one to forget, but the team has focused on understanding the issue to make sure it’s fully solved. On the positive side, our car has shown promising pace, which gives me real confidence heading into Baku. Street circuits can be tricky: you need to be sharp, managing the traffic, and making the most of any opportunities. It’s a different challenge from a traditional circuit, but if we get everything right from Friday on, we’ll have a chance to score points and deliver a strong weekend again.”
Gabriel Bortoleto (car number 5): “It felt good to be back in the top ten in Monza: a further confirmation of the quality of the work we have been putting in. Baku is a very different kind of circuit – I’ve only raced here last year, in different machinery, and I’ve been practicing at the sim in preparation to the weekend. I’m confident in our car and in the team: we’ve all been working hard to keep improving. Our goal, as always, is to put everything together from Friday onwards, stay consistent, and hopefully go for another points finish.”