Sauber and Racing Bulls have recently wrapped up several days of private testing at the iconic Imola Circuit, gearing up for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season. This focused effort aims to refine their car setups and integrate new driver line-ups as the competition heats up.
During the test sessions from January 21 to January 23, 2024, Racing Bulls—previously known as AlphaTauri—took significant strides forward. This year, the team is focusing on drivers Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Isaac Hajar as they clock important mileage on the 2023 AT04 model. Tsunoda, embarking on his fifth season with the team, is eager to steer the Racing Bulls back toward the midfield after narrowly missing out on advancement to Red Bull Racing.
On the following days, Sauber added to the mix, bringing along their 2022 C42 model, driven by veteran Nico Hülkenberg and rising star Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 FIA F2 Champion. Hülkenberg returns to Sauber after several years away and is set to share the cockpit with Bortoleto, who aims to showcase his talents after notable progress through the junior categories.
Prior to this, Hülkenberg and Bortoleto participated successfully at the Abu Dhabi postseason tests, ensuring they are well-acquainted with their new team dynamics. At Imola, they are expected to maximize their time on track alongside Racing Bulls.
Testing Regulations Impacting 2025 Season
New regulations for the 2025 season will limit regular drivers to just four days and 1,000 kilometers of testing annually. This imposing framework serves the dual purpose of reducing off-season testing and maintaining competitive balance across the grid, as confirmed by sources from the FIA.
Despite concerns over possible rain forecasted for January 22 and 23, which could hinder running times, the inclement weather may provide rookies like Hajar and Bortoleto with unique opportunities to get accustomed to driving F1 cars under challenging conditions. Hajar, at just 19 years old, is motivated to prove his mettle amid fierce competition from other rookies, including Liam Lawson and Andea Antonelli, both of whom are also stepping onto the F1 stage for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, Sauber is strategically preparing for their transition to Audi, set for 2026. With their performance at Imola, they hope to establish consistency before this significant shift. The combination of Hülkenberg’s vast experience with Bortoleto's fresh energy could very well provide the framework for success, as they calibrate the car with the new line-up.
After successful sessions over these test days, both teams will now turn their focus toward their upcoming commitments. The shared aim remains clear: they aspire to refine their strategies and settings to maximize competitiveness as they head toward the 2025 F1 campaign.
Ferrari Also Dialing Up Preparations
With the same ambition, Ferrari is also set to conduct testing of its own at the Fiorano Circuit later this week, drawing significant attention as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton makes his much-anticipated debut for the Scuderia. This introduction marks one of the off-season's most talked-about developments.
Hamilton, intent on securing what would be his eighth world title, is joined by teammate Charles Leclerc. Their session promises to add to the excitement of the 2025 season preparations and amplify the competitive atmosphere within Formula 1.
Overall, the private tests conducted by Sauber and Racing Bulls at Imola represent pivotal moments for teams beginning to sculpt their paths for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Both teams are set to use these early days wisely as foundational strategies are developed and new talents emerge on the track.