Led Alfa Romeo to the best constructors’ result of its Sauber era and had the measure of rookie team-mate Zhou Guanyu – 14-7 and 11-4 in qualifying and race head-to-heads. Both gained from Alfa starting at the minimum weight limit, then struggled more as rivals slimmed down.
Early highlights were his Emilia Romagna Grand Prix pace and points, and qualifying results in Bahrain and Miami.
