F1 2013 - Mid-Season Report

Sauber (7 Points)

After a very strong season in 2012, most notably with Sergio Perez€™s 2nd place in Malaysia, hopes would have been high to develop and progress their car to bigger and better things. Sadly the opposite has happened. Sauber have really struggled, only showing glimpses of outright pace as they have been unable to get on top of the Pirelli tires and which has seen the team slip outside the top 10 at most races. It seems very likely that 8th place in the constructors is as high as they will climb, but who knows, a surprise may be in store.

Nico Hulkenberg - 8 (7 Points)

Hulkenberg€™s 3rd season behind the wheel and potentially his most difficult. The German has outperformed the car on numerous occasions and will be hoping that Sauber can give him something more competitive after F1 returns in Belgium. Another driver who has trounced his teammate 10-0 in qualifying, he has been very impressive in the race, finishing in the top 10 four times to gain vital points for his team. Seven Points may not look like a good return, but from the performance of the Sauber this season those seven points could prove critical. Hulkenberg must be regretting his move to Sauber. It seemed to make sense as at the end of last year as Sauber finished ahead of Force India in the constructors standings. However, he has proven he is a quality talent, pole at Interlagos in 2010 and mauling Paul Di Resta in the 2nd half of last season means Hulkenberg cannot be too far away from a top drive. Will be looking for an escape.

Esteban Gutierrez - 6 (0 Points)

It€™s been quiet year for debutant Gutierrez and while the pace of the Sauber has been very poor he has managed to get the car home to the finish on a consistent basis. With more experienced team mate Hulkenberg leading the charge for the team, miracles were not expected from Gutierrez and in qualifying performance he lies 10-0 behind his German compatriot. In his rookie season, Gutierrez hasn€™t outperformed the car but hasn€™t been a disaster either, performing respectably under immense pressure. Sadly, Sauber€™s financial woes mean this could be his only season in the sport if reports of Sauber signing Russian 18 year old Sergey Sirotkin are to be believed. Will be hoping for a strong 2nd half of the season to tempt other teams to sign him.