Although featuring significant design differences to its predecessor, the Alfa Romeo C43, and despite numerous upgrades being introduced throughout the season, the C44 exhibited consistently poor performance and reliability, and Kick Sauber finished last in the World Constructors' Championship standings.

[2] Key said the C44 was "virtually a completely new car", sharing only some areas at its rear with its predecessor, the Alfa Romeo C43.

[2][5] Regulation changes regarding roll hoops led Sauber to adopt the conventional A-shaped design, one that had not previously used.

[9] At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Sauber introduced a new floor that was both lighter and featured longer fences, with the goal of increasing downforce generated by the ground effect.

[14] The C44 exhibited poor tyre management early in the season, struggling to efficiently heat them in both qualifying and race settings.