2025 Japanese Grand Prix: Preview

Hinwil, 1 April 2025 – Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber is set to take on the iconic Suzuka International Racing Course, a drivers’ favourite known for its fast, flowing corners and figure-of-eight layout. With a passionate crowd creating an incredible atmosphere, the Japanese Grand Prix is a standout event on the Formula One calendar.

As the first leg of a demanding triple-header, the team is focused on building on the learnings from Australia and China, aiming to push forward. At Suzuka, Jonathan Wheatley makes his debut as the new Team Principal of Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber, officially taking up his duties on April 1. Following his introduction to the team at the Hinwil site, he will then travel to Japan to begin his new role.

Team Quotes

Mattia Binotto, COO & CTO: "The first few races of the season have given us a solid understanding of where we stand as a team and where we need to improve. Both Melbourne and Shanghai showed that we have the potential to fight for points, while China was more unlucky and difficult, but still valuable in terms of data and learning. Suzuka is a circuit that demands precision and confidence in high-speed corners, and it will be crucial to get everything right from the start of the weekend. With a triple-header ahead, consistency will be key – we need to take advantage of every opportunity and keep making progress. The team is working hard, both trackside and back at base in Hinwil, and we are fully focused on moving forward together."

Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal: “After spending time meeting our employees at the factory in Hinwil, I am excited to join the team at the historic Suzuka Circuit for my first race and get working on our plans for this season and beyond.”

Nico Hulkenberg (Car 27): "Suzuka is one of those tracks that really pushes you as a driver. It’s high-speed, technical, and demanding, which makes it rewarding at the end of a lap. I always enjoy racing here – the fans are some of the most passionate in the world. Looking back at the first two races of the season, we’ve had some positives to build on, and we know where we need to improve. The goal now is to take that knowledge into the triple-header and turn it into consistent, competitive performances."

Gabriel Bortoleto (Car 5): "The previous race weekends so far have been huge learning experiences for me, and I expect Suzuka to be no different. It’s a circuit I’ve always wanted to race on — demanding but exciting, with a lot of history – especially for Brazilians. I’ve done a lot of preparation in the simulator, and I am looking forward to experience it in real life. The past two rounds have shown me what it takes to manage a full race distance and adapt to different conditions, and I feel like I’m making progress with every session. My focus is on continuing to learn, improving my pace, and being ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come our way. A triple-header is intense, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and to seeing how much I can develop over these next few races."