Fans divided as new F1 car is called a 'cross between ninja turtle and transformer'

Sports

MOTORSPORT fans are divided like never before – after a new team's F1 car was branded a “cross between a ninja turtle and a transformer”.

Opinions on the lean, lime machine unveiled by Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber ranged from “horrible” to “I love it”.

Zhou Guanyu and teammate Valtteri Bottas may have been confused about some of the C44's views, but there was also praise for the new green lookCredit: AP

A close-up gives F1 enthusiasts a lot to think aboutCredit: AP

Stake F1 Team Technical Director James Key explains details of the carCredit: PA

And if points are given for flowery descriptions, Sauber would go from being unfortunate even under their 2023 Alfa Romeo sponsorship to being serious title contenders this year.

Sauber says the C44 car is “a clear departure from its predecessor” with a “whole range of changes”.

One change may be particularly important: from push-rod to pull-rod suspension.

The C44 also has revised sidepods and a new hood, as well as a different floor.

In addition, Sauber promises 'important updates' at the start of the season, which starts on March 2 in Bahrain.

But one thing remains the same for the third year: Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu remain the team drivers.

However, despite the stability behind the wheel, there was uncertainty among F1 fans about the C44's surprising appearance.

One racing enthusiast compared it to something that's probably never been seen before: a mix of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the ever-changing robot movie heroes The Transformers.

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Another said: “This could very well be one of the most hideous looking F1 cars ever.”

A third joked: “Who was the lucky ten year old winner of the competition?”

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And a fourth suggested it could at least be quite clever in a surprising way, as he wrote: “It looks like Asda's new uniform lol.”

But if Sauber went looking for compliments, they would receive praise such as: “It's similar to the way I do my liveries in the F1 game. I love it!”

“Looks great, I really like it,” said another admirer.

And amid the fierce two-way traffic of opinion, one fan sat alone on the barriers as he wrote: “I don't hate it…”