2025 Hungarian Grand Prix: Preview

Hinwil, 30 July 2025 – Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber heads to Budapest for the second leg of the summer double-header, looking to extend its recent run of points-scoring performances. With the first half of the season wrapping up this weekend, we look back to the first thirteen races of our campaign. The team has been in encouraging form lately, collecting points finishes in the last five races and celebrating a standout podium at Silverstone. With confidence building across the whole operation, the Hungarian Grand Prix offers a final opportunity to head into the summer break on a high note.

Paul Aron will be making his second and final Free Practice appearance with the team on Friday, once again taking over Nico Hulkenberg’s C45 for the first practice session.
 

Team Quotes

Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal: “We head to Hungary looking to carry our momentum into the summer break. During the past few races, from Barcelona to Spa, we have focused on consistency and strong execution at the track, ensuring we extract maximum performance from the improvements made to the car. Reflecting on the first half of the season, progress has been encouraging and reflects the commitment of everyone – both trackside and back at base in Hinwil. Hungary is known to deliver surprising results, and so we need to be ready to make the most of opportunities that may come our way.”

Nico Hulkenberg (car number 27): “We have been on an encouraging run over the past two months – fighting through the midfield and scoring solid points, even a podium, as we currently sit sixth in the Constructors' standings. While the start of the season was challenging, we kept improving nearly each weekend, and the credit goes to everyone trackside and in Hinwil working hard behind the scenes. Now, we head to the Hungaroring for the second leg of the double header, another classic and a place where I’ve enjoyed racing in the past. Our aim is to finish strong and build on that momentum before the summer break.”

Gabriel Bortoleto (car number 5): “The first half of my rookie season wraps up this weekend and, looking back at how it unfolded, I feel I have grown and learned a lot. The team has been there for me throughout these months, from the very first test. Their support, together with that of my teammate, Nico, has been essential. Each weekend, I’m feeling more confident in the car, and I have also started to achieve the encouraging results this hard work warrants, with a few Q3 appearances and points finishes. Budapest is another chance to learn and further improve, and I want to make the most of it, extending our recent run before a well-deserved break for all of us.”