Anticipation builds for 2025 F1 season as liveries get shown to the world
With the anticipated arrival of the 2025 Formula 1 season, one of the most exciting moments for fans and teams alike is the unveiling of the new car liveries. While testing and performance upgrades are crucial, livery launches give teams a chance to make a bold first impression before the season begins, blending technical advancements with eye-catching colour schemes that represent their brand identity, sponsors, and ambitions for the season ahead.
Livery launches aren’t just about aesthetics – they symbolise new beginnings and, in some cases, complete transformations. Some teams opt for radical overhauls, while others stick to tradition with minor refinements. Fans eagerly speculate on what each team will bring to the table, whether it’s a modernised take on a classic design or something completely unexpected. Social media buzzes with excitement as each reveal edges closer, and debates over the best-looking car of the year begin long before a single lap is completed.
For some teams, especially those undergoing rebranding efforts or leadership changes, the livery can carry deeper significance. It’s an opportunity to showcase a new identity or a shift in direction. In recent years, teams like Aston Martin, Alpine, and Haas have all used their launches to reinforce their place on the grid, both in branding and performance expectations.
This year, one of the most intriguing 2025 F1 livery concepts comes from Sauber with the C45, as they continue their transition into becoming Audi’s full works team by 2026.
Sauber’s 2025 livery: A key moment in their evolution
The Sauber F1 Team has undergone significant changes over the past few seasons, and their 2025 livery launch is expected to be another key milestone in their journey. Following their rebranding as Stake F1 Team in 2024, last season’s C44 livery was a bold departure from the Alfa Romeo era, featuring a striking fluorescent green and black colour scheme. This visual identity was designed to turn heads while reinforcing their new chapter under fresh ownership and investment.
Beyond aesthetics, the 2024 car also marked a shift in philosophy, borrowing aerodynamic elements from Red Bull’s successful design approach. This included changes to the suspension, sidepods, and overall chassis architecture.
However, despite their ambitions, the team struggled to consistently challenge the upper midfield, making 2025 a crucial year for further development. They only scored four points last year, with Zhou Guanyu P8 in Qatar. Sauber had terrible stops in the first part of the season due to equipment problems, too.
With Audi’s full involvement set to kick in by 2026, this year’s design could hint at their long-term identity, possibly incorporating elements that will be carried over into the Audi era.
New faces behind the wheel: Bortoleto and Hülkenberg
Adding to the excitement surrounding Sauber’s 2025 campaign is their brand-new driver line-up, which pairs rookie Gabriel Bortoleto with experienced F1 driver Nico Hülkenberg.
Bortoleto, who secured the 2024 Formula 2 championship, is regarded as one of the most promising young drivers in motorsport. His dominance in F2 demonstrated impressive racecraft and consistency, earning him a well-deserved step up to Formula 1. Fans are eager to see how he adapts to the pinnacle of racing, as he faces off against some of the best drivers in the world.
On the other side of the garage, Hülkenberg’s return to Sauber adds a wealth of experience to the team. Having raced in F1 for over a decade, he has built a reputation for strong qualifying performances and consistent race pace. While he has yet to score a podium, his technical expertise and ability to provide valuable feedback will be instrumental in guiding Sauber through this transition period. His presence should also provide a solid benchmark for Bortoleto as the young Brazilian settles into life in F1.
A crucial year for Sauber
The 2025 season marks another important step in Sauber’s transformation, and their upcoming livery launch will offer a first glimpse into their evolving identity. Whether they introduce subtle refinements or a bold new look, their design will play a role in setting the tone for the year ahead.
With an exciting driver pairing and continued development behind the scenes, Sauber is a team in transition – but also one with great potential.
