Sauber completely changes plans: 'We are going to build totally new car'

The Swiss press had sharpened its knives last Monday. It had watched longingly as both cars at Alfa Romeo (renamed Sauber from next season) broke down. Blick newspaper considered that an achievement in itself, at a time when F1 cars are more reliable than ever. "When two cars fail with a technical defect, you have a problem," Blick wrote.

Sixteen points were collected by Alfa Romeo this season, four more than Haas. So the red lantern in the constructors' championship is certainly not out of the question. Continuing in the current manner is pointless, the team's management has now realised. With James Key in place as the new technical director, Alessandro Alunni Bravi confirms that things are about to change.

Key's appointment could prove key for Sauber

"First of all, we are really happy about having James on board. He started the first week of September, so he’s also contributing to next year’s car, our C44 car. We reviewed the project completely and together with him, thanks to his experience, we went through an in-depth analysis of all the areas of the car, taking decisions. So, the next year's car will not be an evolution of this year’s car, because we think that there are some limits in this concept that we cannot exploit further."

"So, we will really have a completely new car from chassis to suspension, everything, all the areas. Of course, it’s easy to identify the problems, but then you need to be able to fix it. So, we are working hard, the group is growing. We have new appointments that are joining, and that will be able to contribute also to next year’s car but the answer will be given to all of us next year in Bahrain," the Italian said.

'Zhou and Bottas are not at fault'

Alunni Bravi does not blame his drivers Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas for the current malaise. "If we can provide a performing car to our drivers, where they can deliver. But it's really a matter of giving them everything that they need to perform. There is no issue with our drivers, they are experienced, we have seen that they can contribute with points. But the matter is to have a stronger car with more performance in any track condition, with every tyre temperature, with… you know, all the elements. This has been our weakest point. Too many ups and downs and not consistent throughout the season."