JUST IN: Audi driver decision on Ricciardo could END multiple F1....

Audi Driver Decision Could End Multiple F1 Careers

The F1 grid could witness a significant shakeup, as a new wave of young talent emerges and forces out some of the sport’s veteran drivers. Four drivers, all making their mark within the past year, have created a buzz with their impressive performances, making it clear that change is on the horizon for 2025.

Liam Lawson, who stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo after his wrist injury in 2023, has impressed with his consistent performances. His solid drives led to a promotion, replacing Ricciardo in the Red Bull-backed team, marking a rise in his young career. Meanwhile, another standout, Ollie Bearman, dazzled with two noteworthy appearances in Formula 1. He scored points on his debut with Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and impressed again in Azerbaijan with Haas, where he is set to race full-time in 2024.

Two other promising drivers shone during the Italian Grand Prix in September. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a rising teenage star, showcased incredible speed during practice with Mercedes but unfortunately lost control of the car and hit the wall. Franco Colapinto, filling in for Logan Sargeant at Williams, delivered strong qualifying performances and has since drawn praise for handling the pressure alongside Alex Albon. These drivers are seen as part of a new generation set to take over F1, with Lawson, Bearman, and Antonelli confirmed for full-time seats in 2025.

However, as these young drivers rise, their success spells bad news for veteran drivers whose careers may now be on the chopping block. Two seats remain open for 2025: one at Red Bull, which could go to Lawson or another young talent, depending on whether Lawson is promoted to replace a struggling Sergio Perez, and the other at Sauber, which will be rebranded as Audi for the 2026 season.

While Sauber has struggled in recent years, sitting last in the current standings, the opportunity to join the Audi project is highly appealing. The team will be fully integrated as Audi’s works team when new regulations take effect in 2026, making the Sauber seat a coveted one for drivers looking to stay in F1.

Franco Colapinto and current F2 leader Gabriel Bortoleto are both strong contenders for the Sauber seat. Colapinto has already shown his talent in F1, impressing with his debut performances and bringing with him sponsorship from South America. The prospect of pairing a promising young driver with the experienced Nico Hulkenberg, who will remain with the team, is a clear strategy for Sauber as they build toward the future.

However, if Sauber opts for one of these young drivers, it will likely mark the end of the road for several F1 veterans. Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, Sauber’s current driver lineup, would be the first casualties. Bottas, though optimistic about his future, has struggled in recent seasons, while Zhou’s mediocre results make it unlikely he’ll find another F1 seat.

Mick Schumacher’s F1 comeback hopes may also be dashed if Audi chooses to pass on him, despite his ties to the German manufacturer. With Ricciardo’s Red Bull seat in jeopardy and no serious links to Sauber, his F1 career appears to be in its final stages as well.

As the sport moves toward a new era, Sauber’s driver decision could signal the rise of fresh talent, while simultaneously closing the door on four experienced drivers. The changing of the guard is well underway in F1, with the old guard giving way to the next generation.