2025 Spanish Grand Prix – Saturday

Barcelona, 31 May 2025 – KICK Sauber F1 Team experienced a solid qualifying session in Barcelona, with both drivers showing signs of progress just falling short of reaching Q3. On a circuit that places high demands on aerodynamic efficiency, the team introduced a series of upgrades aimed at improving consistency and balance.

Gabriel Bortoleto advanced to Q2 and secured P12—matching the team’s best qualifying result of the season—while Nico Hulkenberg narrowly missed out on Q2 by just five hundredths. Both drivers reported improved handling and stability through the upgrades, offering a promising foundation for Sunday’s race.
 

Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal: “Coming out of FP3 today, the big positive was that both drivers seemed happy with the upgrades, so I would like to thank everyone in Hinwil for all the hard work in getting them onto both cars. On a circuit as aero-dependent as Barcelona, that extra confidence—especially in the braking zones—makes a real difference. In qualifying, following a small mistake in the last sector, Nico missed out on Q2 by just 0.051 seconds. So, P16 doesn’t reflect the fact that he was capable of making it through. Gabriel progressed to Q2 with a solid P10, then delivered two really clean laps to finish P12, just shy of making it into Q3. This equals our best race qualifying of the season and also marks Gabriel’s best qualifying result in Formula One so far. Our focus for tomorrow’s race is to be in the mix for points.”

Nico Hulkenberg (car number 27):
FP3: 12th / 1:13.733 (18 laps)
Q1: 16th / 1:13.190 (6 laps)

“We definitely had the potential to progress today, but unfortunately, my final lap wasn’t as clean as it could’ve been. I picked up quite a bit of understeer in the last sector, which cost me around two tenths—and in such a tight Q1, that made all the difference.

“That said, the upgrades we brought this weekend have clearly delivered a step forward. Right from the first lap, I had a much better feeling in the car. The handling felt more consistent, and the overall balance has improved—that’s definitely encouraging. Looking ahead to tomorrow, starting from P16 means we’ll have to deal with traffic, which is always a challenge on a fast, flowing circuit like this. It won’t be easy, but we’ll regroup tonight and explore all strategic options to move forward.”

Gabriel Bortoleto (car number 5):

FP3: 11th / 1:13.722 (19 laps)
Q1: 1:13.045 (6 laps)
Q2: 12th / 1:12.756 (6 laps)
 

“I’m very happy with how qualifying went today—this has been the best result so far for me this season, and a very solid day overall. The upgrades we brought this weekend seem to be working, which is definitely encouraging: the team deserves it, as everyone has been working very hard. I’m glad that we are moving towards the right direction now, and that we have been able to show our potential today, but I’m also well aware that this is just Saturday: the main job is done tomorrow. I think tomorrow’s race is going to be a lot about tyre management, so it’ll be crucial to make the right calls and hopefully make a further step forward.”