This time last weekend, the Sauber hospitality unit – that has done more than 400 Grands Prix and is in its swansong campaign ahead of a shiny replacement for the team’s Audi era – was buzzing as the Swiss operation celebrated a sensational maiden podium for their veteran racer Nico Hulkenberg at the 239th time of asking.
It was Sauber’s first podium in more than a decade, their last coming through Kamui Kobayashi back in 2012 – and their fourth successive points’ score this year.
The team has been revitalised by an update package that has given Hulkenberg and his rookie team mate Gabriel Bortoleto confidence in the car – and that in turn is allowing them to push it harder in both Qualifying and the Grand Prix.
