Sauber has showcased its final Formula 1 livery prior to its transition into the Audi works entry in 2026.
The Hinwil-based outfit unveiled the design scheme that it will sport across the upcoming campaign at the F1 75 season launch event alongside the other nine incumbent teams at London’s O2.
Sauber’s special twist for the evening was that the show car, made in collaboration with Memento Exclusives to display the new livery was auctioned off by F1 Authentics to a lucky bidder earlier in the day.
The design comprises an evolution of the carbon and fluorescent green colour scheme that debuted in 2024, the first season of Sauber’s title partnership with Stake.
For this season’s design, the fluorescent green is apparent on the monocoque and nosecone, with black on the sidepods.
It was a season to forget as Sauber failed to register a point in all but one Grand Prix, the penultimate round of the season in Qatar and thus remained rooted to the foot of the Constructors’ standings.
Behind the wheel of the Sauber C45 is the team’s new driver pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and reigning Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, who unveiled the squad’s new-look race suits last week.
The Chief Operating Officer of Sauber Mattia Binotto said in a press release: “The C45 is the culmination of months of dedication and hard work by our entire team.
“Every department has played a crucial role in developing this car, and we are extremely proud of what we have achieved, but we know this is just the beginning.
“Formula One is a constant race of development, often a case of who gets there first, and our focus will now shifts to extracting performance and building on the strong foundation we have set.”
Hulkenberg last drove for Sauber back in 2013 and the German driver is excited to reunite with his former team.
“A new team brings many changes, and countless small details need to be fine tuned, which is why I’m pleased with how productive our first few weeks together have been,” he said.
“I’ve recognized some familiar faces from my first time with Sauber, but a lot has changed in the last ten years – and continues to evolve.
“There’s a great spirit in the team right now, and of course, we’re all focused on improving from last year.”
Bortoleto graduated from F2 as a World Champion and is one of six rookies joining the 2025 grid.
“We have put in a lot of hard work over the winter, and I have spent a great deal of time in the factory – in the simulator, with the team, and pushing myself to learn as much as possible for the season ahead,” Bortoleto explained.
“Although our testing days are limited, every lap is valuable in helping me adapt and prepare for the season ahead.
“I’m really excited to embark on this journey with the team.
“With all the effort we have put in, I believe the C45 has the potential to make a definite step forward.”
Sauber also used the livery launch to showcase its new partnership with cryptocurrency solutions organisation CoinPayments, whose logo sat proudly on the rear wing of the show car.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber for the 2025 season,” said Alexander Alexandrov, Founder and Chairman of CoinPayments.
“As Formula 1 gears up for its next adrenaline-packed chapter, we will be right there in the fast lane, pushing the boundaries of global digital payments—just like F1 pushes the limits of speed and innovation.”
As ever, Sauber will need to alternate its livery between Stake branding and streaming subsidiary Kick due to gambling restrictions in certain regions.
As a result, the Hinwil-based outfit will run an alternate livery in Australia, Belgium, Spain and Qatar.
READ MORE – Nico Hulkenberg: Sauber F1 return ‘going to be tough’
