The Stake F1 team concluded their final season under the Sauber banner with a ninth-place constructor finish, collecting 70 points across 2025's 24-race calendar.
The campaign showcased both the promise of youth and the reliability of experience, as the Swiss outfit prepared for its transformation into the Audi works team.
Nico Hulkenberg delivered the goods when it mattered most, securing 51 points and cementing his status as one of the grid's most dependable performers.
The German veteran's season highlight undoubtedly arrived at Silverstone, where he finally claimed his maiden podium after 239 grand prix starts.
Starting 19th in tricky wet-dry conditions, Hulkenberg masterfully navigated the chaos to finish third, holding off Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling finale that had the British crowd on its feet.
His consistency proved crucial for the team's point-scoring efforts, contributing to 14 top-ten finishes across grand prix weekends.
Gabriel Bortoleto's rookie campaign painted a picture of raw talent requiring refinement. The Brazilian youngster accumulated 19 points to finish 19th in the drivers' standings, with his best result being sixth place in Hungary.
The 21-year-old showed early promise, beating Hulkenberg in qualifying sessions with a 12-11 head-to-head record that demonstrated his natural pace.
However, Bortoleto's season was marked by costly errors that highlighted his inexperience. A sprint race crash in Brazil, in front of his home crowd, and a collision with Lance Stroll in Las Vegas served as painful learning experiences.
Despite these setbacks, his ability to reach Q3 on three occasions and achieve a highest grid position of seventh place suggested genuine potential waiting to be unlocked.
Audi transition brings fresh optimism
The 2026 season represents a seismic shift for the Hinwil-based operation, as Audi officially assumes control following their acquisition of Sauber.
The German manufacturer's entry as a works constructor brings significant resources and long-term commitment that could transform the team's fortunes.
Both Hulkenberg and Bortoleto will continue their partnership under the Audi name, providing crucial continuity during the transition period.
The technical structure has already been revamped with Mattia Binotto overseeing the project and Jonathan Wheatley installed as team principal. This leadership combination brings together experience from Ferrari and Red Bull which it hopes will see Audi progress in the right direction.
The 2026 regulations present both opportunity and challenge for Audi's debut. With increased electrical power and sustainable fuels reshaping the competitive landscape, the German manufacturer's automotive expertise could prove decisive.
Their tri-location operation spanning Hinwil, Neuburg, and Bicester demonstrates the scale of investment behind this project.
While Stake's 2025 campaign represented solid progress in Formula 1's midfield, Audi's arrival signals altogether bigger ambitions.
The combination of manufacturer backing, proven leadership, and a driver pairing that has already shown flashes of brilliance could make the newly-branded team one to watch when the 2026 season begins.
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop, and Nick Golding as they continue to review the 2025 Formula 1 season. The trio answer crucial questions such as who was the best driver this year, who was the most improved, the biggest disappointment, and much more!
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Don't miss out on any of the Formula 1 action thanks to this handy 2026 F1 calendar that can be easily loaded into your smartphone or PC.
Download the calenderMost read
In this article
Join the conversation!