Audi holds off on Bottas decision, with Schumacher emerging as a credible option for the 2025 driver line-up.
Sauber, now owned by Audi, is not yielding to pressure from Valtteri Bottas for a quicker decision on its second driver for 2025.
The Finnish driver, currently racing for the team, expressed during the U.S. Grand Prix that he needed team boss Mattia Binotto to provide a clear “yes” or “no” as soon as possible, as even alternatives outside of Formula 1 would be scarce by Christmas.
“They have time, but I need to push for a swift decision. A month ago, we were already saying that the decision should be made as soon as possible. At some point, I’ll have to give the team a deadline,” said Bottas.
When asked about Bottas’ comments, Binotto responded in Austin: “We’re not in a rush and have the luxury to wait.”
He confirmed that Mick Schumacher is “genuinely” a contender to become Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate in 2025, which would allow Audi to field an all-German line-up.
“I met with Mick again this Friday. I get along very well with him and told him: don’t make any decisions just yet.”
“He’s on the shortlist; he’s a real option. This isn’t something I’m saying to please the media or Mick. But this must be a decision based on logic, not emotion.”
Schumacher has been absent from the F1 grid since being dropped by Haas F1 at the end of his second season in 2022, following poor performances under the leadership of former team boss Gunther Steiner.
Steiner, now a television pundit, commented in Austin: “It will be difficult for him to find a seat, but I think it would be good for him to have another chance elsewhere because it feels like he still has something to prove.”
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Binotto Confirms Schumacher as Valid Option Amid Bottas Pressure Binotto Confirms Schumacher as Valid Option Amid Bottas Pressure
