Sauber have revealed a green and black livery to mark the start of a new chapter for the team ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Alfa Romeo ended their partnership with Sauber at the end of last year and have been rebranded with a constructor name of Kick Sauber.
The team, which have retained Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu for a third consecutive season, are preparing to be taken over by Audi in 2026.
“I had a great break, a good time off. I spent some time in Australia and it was great to recharge, reflect, then get back to training. I’m ready to go again,” said Bottas.
“We all agree that we want more than last year. The direction from 2022 to 2023 wasn’t correct. We didn’t meet the targets we set initially.
“Now it’s time to turn that ship into another direction. Many things I’ve seen reflects a lot of the mentality we have as a team. We are all on board as a team – really, really positive winter in terms of development.
“The spirit is high. I really, really believe we have a much better chance now to make that step now compared to this time last year.”
Sauber’s C44 was revealed on Monday night at Guildhall in London
Can Sauber halt drift towards Audi transition?
After a promising 2022 campaign, the then-named Alfa Romeo team took a major step backwards in 2023, only marginally avoiding the bottom of the standings.
The team appears to be lacking identity ahead of becoming Audi’s factory outfit in 2026, with naming rights having switched from Alfa Romeo to online gambling firm Stake.
Bottas remains a hugely popular driver, but he made more noise with the naked calendar he released during last season than he did with his performances on the track.
It appears doubtful the former Mercedes driver will be retained to lead the team at the start of its Audi era, which further emphasises the feel that a waiting game is being played.
His team-mate Zhou is fighting for his future in F1, but the 24-year-old Chinese driver does have the fillip of a home Grand Prix to look forward to in April.
When is F1 pre-season testing?
Pre-season testing takes place from Wednesday February 21 to Friday February 23 at the Bahrain International Circuit with just three days for the teams to get prepared for the new season.
When is the first F1 race?
Just one week later, the opening race of the 2024 season will begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29 to March 2.
Due to the Muslim holy period of Ramadan, the Bahrain and, seven days later, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, will be held on a Saturday.
This means practice one and two will take place on Thursdays, with final practice and qualifying on Fridays.
24 races in 2024! Watch every round of next season live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29-March 2. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership