2025 Italian Grand Prix: Preview
Hinwil, 2 September 2025 – Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber heads to Monza determined to bounce back from a challenging weekend in Zandvoort. Having shown competitive form throughout most of summer, the team aims to quickly return to that level for the final European race of the year – the closest to a home race for the Swiss-based operations. The team arrives at the Temple of Speed ready to embrace the challenge of Monza’s unique layout and the energy of the passionate Tifosi in the grandstands.
The Italian Grand Prix will also be an occasion to say goodbye to the team’s motorhome, which sees a glorious career, started back in Imola in 2006, come to an end. It will be an emotional farewell to what has been a home away from home for the squad, and the team hopes to give it a successful sendoff as it continues its journey towards the 2026 season.
Team Quotes
Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal: “Zandvoort wasn’t the result we hoped for, but it doesn’t take away from the progress we have made so far this season. Although we need to reflect and analyse what didn’t work in the Netherlands, we know the C45 is competitive, and the team are focused on getting back to scoring points. Monza is a track that means a lot to me personally, with its history and tradition, but also the incredible atmosphere created by the fans. As we wrap up the European leg of the season, we want to finish on a high. We’ve seen a lot of progress during this part of the championship and still have a lot to deliver in the remaining nine races of the season.”
Nico Hulkenberg (car number 27): “The last stretch of the season didn’t start as we envisioned, but that’s in the past – all our energy is now on delivering at Monza. We have shown encouraging form before the break, and the aim is to get back to that level this weekend already. Monza is always special – the history, the fans, the atmosphere in the paddock. It’s also the final European round before we head back overseas, so it’s important to finish this part of the season on a strong note. I’m confident we can put everything together again and get back to our recent performance and fight for points.”
Gabriel Bortoleto (car number 5): “Monza means a lot to me – I have really good memories from my Formula 2 win here last year, and having lived in Italy for several years, it kind of feels like home. There is just something special about this track – with its incredible motorsport history, the energy that gives you that extra push. The weekend in Zandvoort was challenging, but the atmosphere in the team remains positive: the first part of the season showed what we can achieve, and that’s where we plan to get back to. I’m looking forward to getting back in the car, making the most of the weekend, and fighting for a strong result to finish the European races on a high.”