In 2017, the Sauber F1 Team celebrates a significant milestone with the launch of the Sauber C36-Ferrari, marking its 25th season competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship. With this anniversary comes a new beginning, following the team’s acquisition by Longbow Finance S.A. This new chapter brings fresh ambition, direction, and opportunity as Sauber enters the sport’s latest era of technical innovation and regulation.
Competing once again as a fully independent team, the Sauber F1 Team will line up on the grid with Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson (26) and Germany’s Pascal Wehrlein (22), a new addition to the driver line-up. The official track debut of the Sauber C36-Ferrari is scheduled during the first pre-season tests at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, from 27 February to 2 March 2017.
A New Era for Formula One—and Sauber
As Formula One introduces sweeping regulatory changes for 2017, the Sauber F1 Team is undergoing its own transformation. Under new ownership and management, the team aims to reestablish its competitive edge and build a sustainable platform for future success.
Monisha Kaltenborn, Sauber’s CEO and Team Principal, expressed optimism about the road ahead:
“Together with Longbow Finance S.A., we now have the structure and resources to reassert ourselves in Formula One. We’re committed to a new approach—focused, efficient, and performance-driven. We’ve already taken the first important steps in building a solid foundation for the future.”
Despite the challenges posed by new regulations, the team’s objective is clear. “We must improve,” says Kaltenborn. “The Sauber C36-Ferrari provides a solid base, and we will continue to develop it throughout the season to position ourselves firmly in the competitive midfield.”
The Sauber C36-Ferrari: A Thoroughly Reimagined Contender
At the heart of Sauber’s 2017 campaign is the all-new C36-Ferrari, shaped by radical regulatory changes and a refined design philosophy. Key technical leadership was bolstered by the return of Jörg Zander as Technical Director in January 2017. Zander, who previously served as Chief Designer for the BMW Sauber F1 Team from 2006 to 2007, quickly reacquainted himself with the team’s Hinwil-based operations.
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Zander outlines the most notable updates dictated by the 2017 regulations:
“The chassis is now 2 meters wide—up from 1.80 meters. The tyres are 25% wider, and the front and rear wings are broader. The diffuser has also been enlarged, collectively increasing downforce and grip, which translates into significantly faster lap times.”
To meet these demands, the team focused on reducing drag—particularly from the wider tyres—while pushing the limits of lightweight construction. The Sauber C36 features an optimised aerodynamic package, including redesigned front and rear wings, an underfloor tuned for maximum stability, and a slimmer sidepod and cooling layout. Zander adds:
“We’ve emphasised aerodynamic stability over simply chasing maximum downforce. Our goal is consistent performance across a variety of track sections.”
New Rules, New Possibilities
While sweeping regulation changes often benefit the larger teams, Zander remains optimistic about Sauber’s prospects:
“Regulation changes reset the playing field. Yes, the bigger teams have advantages, but these moments also offer real opportunities for teams like ours to innovate.”
The C36-Ferrari has a visibly more aggressive stance than its predecessor, the C35. Wider tyres—fronts increasing from 245 mm to 305 mm, and rears from 325 mm to 405 mm—give the car a more muscular look and contribute to shorter braking distances and improved cornering speeds. Zander notes:
“Tyres will again be a decisive factor in 2017. The way they interact with the car’s setup and wear characteristics can mask or enhance performance deficiencies. With smart development, we can maximise our tyre advantage.”
Engineering from the Ground Up
The Sauber C36-Ferrari has been designed entirely from scratch. None of the components from the C35 carried over, due to the extensive changes in technical regulations. The car will initially be powered by the Ferrari 2016-specification power unit, chosen for its proven reliability and compatibility.
In a season where only four out of six power unit components can be changed without penalty, durability is more important than ever. Zander explains:
“The 2016-spec engine is a stable, well-understood package. It gave us a head start in designing the C36’s architecture and allowed us to allocate resources efficiently. We already knew the engine, the transmission, and the cooling requirements.”
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
With a new car, new leadership, and renewed purpose, the Sauber F1 Team enters the 2017 Formula One season not only celebrating its 25th anniversary, but embracing a bold vision for the future. The Sauber C36-Ferrari represents more than just technical evolution—it symbolises the team’s commitment to reestablishing itself as a competitive force on the global stage.
