D/T 2024-04-16 07:14 (CEST)
In re: drivers / Sauber
Noises are intensifying that Carlos has secured a drive for next season with Mercedes. It will be pitty it's not Audi, but life goes on.
That Italian sports newspaper thinks Audi has instead kicked off talks with Alpine's disillusioned driver duo, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
https://www.grandprix.com/news/sainz-to ... agree.html
I believe that both French drivers are better than machnery allows them to shine, or media give them credt, but big queston is, will Sauber advance? Bottas and Zhou are also better than their score implies, yet both have limitations, a reason why they need to leave. It will be upon Audi to give drivers a car which the elite will want. Work on the car needs to move forward. Current position is unsustainable.
Issues with current drivers; recollection of analyses published some time ago in a German source (unfortunately forgot name):
Analyzes showed that Bottas and Zhou, who were inherited from Sauber and former sponsor Alfa Romeo in the 2024 season, repeatedly made mistakes, especially in qualifying. Specialists in the hunt for the best possible lap get their sector times together. But Bottas and Zhou never managed to fit their optimal sector times into one lap. In a midfield that is extremely close together in terms of performance, this can make a difference of up to six starting places.