Ericsson: Sauber are "in completely different world"

Marcus Ericsson claims his Sauber team are in a "completely different world" compared to the 2017 season. The team have already scored 11 more points than they did last season while Charles Leclerc has made it into two Q3 sessions. In Austria, both drivers managed to score points. This would have been unthinkable 12 months ago.

As well as the performance side, Ericsson suggests Sauber are much better off financially as well. A new partnership with Alfa Romeo has helped the revitalisation.

"It's a massive difference [to 12 months ago]. I think just coming from the financial side, first of all, now the financial platform is a lot stronger, and everything builds from there," Ericsson said in an interview on crash.

"I think it's impressive to see the way we have developed as a team in 12 months and it's a great reward for all the hard work being put into the team."

Sauber have a cushion between themselves and Williams in the constructors' championship. So much so that they can focus on drawing in Toro Rosso who are just three points away. And Ericsson is confident that these sorts of performances will continue through to next season and beyond.

"Compared to the midfield, which we are fighting, we should be able to do the same development, and then at some point, you switch focus more and more on next year," Ericsson added.