BREAKING NEWS: Audi F1 project ‘decide’ on driver for…in surprise.

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

Sauber, the team set to transition into Audi’s Formula 1 project by 2026, has reportedly made a decision about its driver lineup for the 2025 season, according to sources from Bild. While the team is still operating under the Alfa Romeo name, they have yet to confirm their drivers for the next season, leaving some uncertainty as they prepare for Audi’s full takeover.

Nico Hülkenberg, who had already secured a spot on the team earlier, is confirmed for the 2025 season. However, the second seat remains open, and the question of who will partner Hülkenberg in the cockpit has sparked much speculation. Current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have been in contention for the role, with reports suggesting that Bottas is likely to retain his seat for the 2025 campaign.

Bottas, despite his impressive record as a 10-time Grand Prix winner, has struggled throughout the 2024 season, driving for a team consistently placed at the back of the grid. His performances, though below his previous career achievements, are not entirely down to his driving skills. The car’s lack of competitiveness has played a significant role in his underperformance. Nevertheless, Sauber reportedly believes Bottas is still the best fit to partner Hülkenberg during the interim period before Audi fully takes control in 2026.

If the reports are correct, Bottas is likely to be offered a two-year deal for the 2025 season, with an option for the team to review and potentially end the contract after just one year, depending on his performance. This approach would give Sauber the flexibility to adjust their driver lineup based on how the car develops and Bottas’ results. If Bottas fails to meet expectations, the team could opt to change their driver for 2026, the year Audi’s involvement will be fully realized.

The decision to retain Bottas has also cast doubt on the future of other potential candidates for the second seat, including Mick Schumacher, Franco Colapinto, and Gabriel Bortoleto. Schumacher, in particular, has been a major talking point for a potential return to Formula 1 after losing his seat at Haas in 2022. However, with Sauber reportedly opting to keep Bottas, it seems Schumacher’s hopes for a return will be delayed for another year. The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, Mick has worked as a reserve driver for Mercedes since leaving Haas, but a full-time return to the grid remains elusive.

Additionally, Daniel Ricciardo from Red Bull has been mentioned as another possible candidate for a Sauber seat. Ricciardo, who rejoined the grid with AlphaTauri after a brief absence, is seen by many as a strong contender for a move to a team like Sauber, especially if his form improves. However, with Bottas expected to be retained, Ricciardo may need to look elsewhere for his future in Formula 1, at least for the short term.

The decision is part of Sauber’s broader strategy to build a competitive team as it transitions under Audi’s banner. Sauber’s leadership, including former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto and Red Bull’s outgoing sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, is focused on developing a team capable of challenging for podiums by the time Audi assumes full control in 2026.

While Sauber’s decision to keep Bottas for 2025 may appear cautious, it likely stems from a desire for stability as the team braces for Audi’s transformation. If Bottas can improve his performances, he could play a vital role in this next phase of the team’s development. However, should he struggle, Sauber has the option to reassess and potentially make a change for the 2026 season, ensuring the team remains adaptable as they work towards their long-term goals.