Audi F1 project 'decide' on driver for...in surprise...

Audi F1 project ‘decide’ on driver for…in surprise…read More.

Sauber, the team that will transition into Audi’s Formula 1 project by 2026, has reportedly made a decision regarding its driver lineup for the 2025 season, according to sources from Bild. Currently operating under the name Alfa Romeo, the team has not yet officially confirmed its drivers for the next season, leaving some uncertainty about the future direction of the squad before Audi’s full takeover in 2026.

Nico Hulkenberg has already secured his place in the team for 2025, having been signed onto the project earlier. This leaves one remaining seat up for grabs, with questions surrounding who will partner Hulkenberg in the cockpit. Valtteri Bottas, a 10-time grand prix winner, and Zhou Guanyu are the two current drivers, but reports suggest that Bottas is likely to retain his seat for the upcoming season.

Bottas has struggled throughout the 2024 season, driving for a team that has consistently been at the back of the grid. His performances, while not reflective of his earlier career achievements, are not solely due to his driving, as the car has proven uncompetitive. Nevertheless, Sauber appears to see Bottas as the best fit to partner Hulkenberg in the interim period before Audi’s full rebranding in 2026.

If reports are accurate, Bottas will likely be offered a two-year deal for 2025, with an option for the team to review and potentially terminate the contract after just one year, depending on his performance. This strategy provides Sauber with flexibility, allowing them to adjust their lineup based on the development of the car and Bottas’ results. Should Bottas fail to meet expectations, the team could move forward with a different driver for 2026, when Audi’s involvement will be in full swing.

This decision casts doubt over the future of other potential candidates for the second seat, including Mick Schumacher, Franco Colapinto, and Gabriel Bortoleto. Schumacher, in particular, has been widely linked to a potential return to Formula 1 after losing his seat at Haas in 2022. However, Sauber’s reported decision to retain Bottas means that Schumacher will likely remain sidelined for another year, despite his efforts to find a way back into the sport. The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, Mick has served as a reserve driver for Mercedes since leaving Haas, but opportunities for a full-time return have been scarce.

Additionally, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for a Sauber seat. Ricciardo, who has returned to the grid with AlphaTauri following a brief hiatus, is seen by some as a strong contender to make the jump to a team like Sauber, particularly if his form improves. However, with Bottas expected to be retained for 2025, Ricciardo may need to look elsewhere for his future in Formula 1, at least in the short term.

At the heart of this decision is Sauber’s long-term goal of becoming a more competitive team in the sport. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, now the chief technical officer of Stake F1 (the team’s current name), and Red Bull’s outgoing sporting director Jonathan Wheatley are spearheading the project. Their aim is to build a team capable of challenging for podiums by the time Audi takes full control in 2026.

While the choice to stick with Bottas for 2025 may seem conservative, it is likely driven by a desire for stability as the team prepares for its transformation under Audi. Should Bottas’ performances improve, the team could see a smoother transition into this new era, with the Finnish driver potentially playing a key role in Audi’s F1 ambitions. If not, Sauber’s contingency plans will ensure they have the flexibility to make changes ahead of 2026.