F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Better qualifying speed key to Sauber improvement - Ericsson

Marcus Ericsson believes Sauber could improve its position in F1's mid-field if it succeeds in unlocking more speed form its C37 in qualifying.

Thanks to Charles Leclerc's efforts last weekend in Baku, the Swiss outfit achieved its best result since 2015.

Team boss Fred Vasseur insisted however that Sauber's car was well-suited to the specific low-drag street circuit thanks to its powerful engine, warning that the story could be very different next week in Barcelona.

Ericsson has focused his attention on the C37's difficulties in coping with Pirelli's softest compounds, a weakness that has weighed on the team's performance in the all-important Saturday afternoon session.

"It’s clear we are struggling more over one lap than on race pace. We are still struggling with the softer compounds," he said.

"I really feel confident that if we have good track position for the race, starting in the mix, we can have strong races.

"That’s for me the main priority now that we need to find an extra bit of performance on Saturday because I really feel on Sundays we have a good car to fight the midfield."

While he was outperformed al weekend by his team mate in Azerbaijan, Ericsson was still buoyed by Leclerc's result which offered a glimpse of Sauber's potential.

"Charles’ pace was really strong compared to the cars around him," he added.

"But obviously these days you need a good starting position. We need to analyse, work hard and analyse how we can take a step on Saturdays.

"Charles did a very good job in qualifying but still I think we are stronger for sure in the race."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

13 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

15 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

16 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

18 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

19 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

20 hours ago