10-time F1 race winner ‘on pole’ to race for Sauber in 2025

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Sauber are one of two teams yet to confirm their second driver for the 2025 season.

The Swiss outfit have already signed Nico Hulkenberg for next season on a multi-year deal as Sauber are set to become Audi in 2026, with the German manufacturer joining the sport as a works team.

Sauber are still without a point in 2024 after 17 races, with current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu struggling to extract any performance out of the C44.

Jacques Villeneuve slammed the team for ‘not even trying’ this season following their lacklustre performances. With Formula 1’s new revolutionary regulations not coming until 2026, not much is expected to change come 2025, painting a dark picture for the team.

As next season fast approaches, the team are searching for their second driver, with several options on the table for 2025.

Valtteri Bottas is ‘on pole’ to race for Sauber in 2025

Speaking on the RacingNews365 YouTube channel, Joris Mosterdijk named the driver who is ‘on pole’ to take the vacant Sauber seat.

Gabriel Bortoleto has been heavily linked with the team following his brilliant performances in Formula 2. Bortoleto was seen talking with Sauber CTO Mattia Binotto at Monza as he could be sent to the team on loan from McLaren.

Ted Kravitz expects Zhou Guanyu to become a reserve driver come 2025, while Bottas is in contention to retain his seat for next season.

And according to Mosterdijk’s ‘ears and eyes’, the Finn is set to keep his seat and drive alongside Hulkenberg next season.

“That last seat at Sauber or Audi, Stake, whatever you want to call it. Nico Hulkenberg will be there next year,” he said.

“Valtteri Bottas, is according to our ears and eyes, on pole to at least sit next to Hulkenberg next year.

“[The] man also costs a lot of money and doesn’t really seem to have any more speed when you’re in the race.”

Is Valtteri Bottas Sauber’s best option for the 2025 season?

Bottas has had an underwhelming 2024 season, with a best finish of 13th in Monaco and Canada.

While he has been with the team since 2022, Bottas’ results are uninspiring for a team that are looking to push on as Audi in 2026. The Finn will also be an expensive option, with an estimated salary of £7.6 million a year.

Currently leading the F2 championship and proving his ability, Bortoleto could join Audi permanently or go on loan from McLaren as a young talent and a cheaper option.

Williams’ Franco Colapinto also falls into the same category as Bortoleto as a cheap alternative, with Mattia Binotto ‘no doubt’ looking at Colapinto for 2025.