The backmarker teams in F1 are tight heading into the Mexico City GP weekend. Ahead of the Mexico City GP, Team Principal of Sauber, Jonathan Wheatley, revealed that the battle could come down to victory for those that make the fewest mistakes. With Sauber only 11 points ahead of Haas, the battle for the top of the backmarkers remains wide open. Currently, Sauber sits eight in the Constructors’ Championship, however the gap behind to Haas in ninth remains narrow.
Focus on the moment
In the FIA Press Conference ahead of the F1 Mexico City GP, the Team Principal at Haas, Ayao Komatsu, spoke about the tense battle in the Constructors Championship. Komatsu was asked if it would be realistic to overtake Sauber for P8.
“I don’t think I can look at five races remaining and 11 points gaps. I think everybody’s been so competitive. Jonathan [Wheatley] and his guys have done an amazing job. Nico [Hülkenberg] has been super the last couple of races. And then, Bortoleto – impressive, impressive rookie. So I think it’s amazing for the sport. For us, there’s no point counting, ‘OK, five races, we need to get this point here, that point there.’
“For us, it’s really focusing on what’s in front of us. Just at FP1, trying to get the best out of the drivers, best out of the car, put ourselves in the best position for FP2. Just focus on what’s in front of you. The result will be the result. It will come. Whether it’s good enough to move up in the Constructors’ or not, we cannot control that. So we really just focus on: how can we get the best out of our drivers, best out of our cars, work as a team. So then, what will be, will be.”
The Haas Team Principal gave credit where credit is due, pointing out the amazing performance of competing team Sauber’s drivers. With Nico Hülkenberg finally achieving his maiden podium of his F1 career this season and Gabriel Bortoleto consistently showing impressive pace, Komatsu knows Sauber will be tough to overtake. While the Team Principal has only held his role since 2024, he has been nothing short of proactive. Having spent over two decades in the sport, Komatsu knows where the team’s focus should be.
Tight margins and avoiding mistakes to succeed
Furthermore, Sauber Team Principal, Jonathan Wheatley was also asked about the Constructors’ battle. While the Sauber team sits in P8, the team has the opportunity to move forward as Aston Martin only lay 10 points ahead. Still, with Haas only 11 points behind, the threat of being overtaken looms.
“Yeah, I mean, we’re taking it a race at a time, Tom. You know, Ayo taught us a lesson a few races ago. It’s so close. The margins are so close. I feel like I’m always saying the same thing, but it’s nip and tuck all the way down the line. And it’ll come down to who makes the fewest mistakes, I think, at the end of the day. But honestly, I’m loving our racing at the moment. I’m loving coming into this competitive environment where the margins are so tight, and the calls are so close. And yeah, just enjoying the season.” Wheatley stated.
Despite the top four teams being far ahead, the top spot for the best of the rest remains. With five races to go, Williams currently hold that spot with 111 points. Behind them sit Racing Bulls with 72 points, making the gap to Sauber consist of 13 points. As the margins continue to tighten, the Constructors battle for the backmarkers intensifies every race weekend.
