James Key: We are working on two projects in parallel.

      Swiss Sauber will compete in Formula 1 with its own name for another eight months, and in 2026 it will change its name and status, becoming an Audi factory team.

      In the last 18 months, the team has recruited more than 200 new employees, and will soon open a new base in Bicester, in the heart of the British motorsport valley, where it is much easier to attract engineers than in Switzerland.

      It would seem that the team is completely focused on its future, but in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Sauber technical director James Key confirmed that the refinement of the current car continues.

      James Key: "The priority is obvious. The 2026 car is very important, because it will be the first under the Audi brand. And the new rules give us a real chance to take a step forward. But we need to be realistic. The team is still being formed.

      After a difficult season in 2024, we want to demonstrate progress with the current car. We have a plan, we know when we will fully focus on the new car, but it can be adjusted depending on how the season develops.

      By taking last place in the Constructors' Cup, we have gained the maximum possible number of hours in the wind tunnel and are working on two projects in parallel, although this is not as easy for us as for larger teams. We use a flexible approach and reserve reserves for the 2025 car, if needed.

      Now Sauber is a customer team. We use Ferrari power plants and they support us in everything. On the one hand, the status of the client team is not as important today as it used to be. For example, the current winner of the Constructors' Cup, the McLaren team, is a client, on the other hand, the opportunity to work closely with engine developers makes work much easier. Sometimes I have to remind our guys that if there are any difficulties, for example, with the cooling system, they should contact the motorists from Neuburg directly, and they will help. We still have to get used to it."