2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Preview

KICK Sauber F1 Team heads to Abu Dhabi for the twenty-fourth and final round of the 2025 Formula One World Championship, bringing a long and hard-fought season to a close with opportunities still on the table to further progress in the Constructors’ Championship. The weekend marks the final appearance of the Sauber name in Formula One, offering a moment to reflect on key highlights from this year – among them Nico Hulkenberg’s maiden podium at Silverstone, Gabriel Bortoleto’s debut season and the steady progress made throughout the campaign. It is also a chance to honour a legacy that began in 1993: more than three decades shaped by hard work, determination and an unwavering passion for racing, culminating in one last push under the Sauber banner, before a bright new era opens for the team in 2026.

Team Quotes

Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal: “We arrive in Abu Dhabi still fully motivated for the final race of the season. It’s been a long, demanding season, but also one where we have strengthened as a team and built a way of working we can be proud of. Nico’s podium in Silverstone proved what we’re capable of when we perform at our very best, and watching Gabriel growing and developing in his rookie season has been a real positive. There are still important points to race for, and the team is fully committed to be in the battle until the very last corner. Beyond the race itself, it’s an emotional moment as we achieve another milestone on the way to Audi’s arrival in 2026. In the final race for Sauber, we want to pay respect to the legacy of the team born out of Peter Sauber’s dream: we want to honour everything it stood for across three decades in Formula One and over fifty years in motorsport, and finish in a way that reflects this incredible story.”

Nico Hulkenberg (car number 27): “The way our race ended in Qatar was very disappointing, but that’s now behind us as we head into the final race of this season. There is still plenty to fight for this weekend in terms of the teams’ standings, and I’m keen to end the season on a strong note. It’ll be my 250th start in Formula One and I’d love to mark this occasion with a good result.”

Gabriel Bortoleto (car number 5): “My rookie season comes to an end this weekend; coming back to Abu Dhabi feels special – this is where I won the Formula 2 title a year ago and got my first laps with the team just a few days later. It’s incredible to think it’s already been a year since that! This season has been full of learning and growth, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made together as a team. I want to finish well for this group of people, both trackside and at the factory, and for everyone who supported me this season: I am thankful for all their support, both in the good and in the more challenging times. We’ll give everything on track this weekend and aim to wrap up the year on a high.”