“Immensely tight grid” a reason for optimism at Sauber

In its final season under the Alfa Romeo name, the Swiss outfit slipped from sixth to ninth in the constructors’ standings after a difficult season with the C43.

However, in the background the team has been building towards the arrival of Audi in 2026, with the hiring of former McLaren man Key one of the most visible signs of progress.

Key says that a performance differential of just 1.5% between pacesetters Max Verstappen and Red Bull and the…