Helmut Marko hints that 2025 Audi contender may be too ‘nice’ for Formula 1

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The race for the seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg at Audi looks to be wide open. A number of drivers are reportedly in contention.

Sauber/Audi are one of five teams who have yet to confirm their line-up for 2025. But for a couple of those, it’s a formality at this stage.

Indeed, Alpine will sign Jack Doohan to be Pierre Gasly’s teammate, according to Sky Sports F1 analyst Ted Kravitz. And reports this week claim Kimi Antonelli has signed his Mercedes contract as he prepares to succeed Lewis Hamilton.

There’s greater uncertainty at Red Bull, where Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson are vying for a seat alongside Max Verstappen if Sergio Perez is replaced. That, in turn, will determine the line-up at RB next year.

Audi missed out on Carlos Sainz, who’s joining fellow strugglers Williams instead. Esteban Ocon moved to Haas, Gasly renewed at Alpine and Red Bull triggered their option to keep Yuki Tsunoda.

All of these were realistic targets for the German giants, but they’re now a long way down their list. Valtteri Bottas could stay, while the team haven’t ruled out keeping Zhou Guanyu either. F2 high-flyer Gabriel Bortoleto has also been linked, but he’s contracted to McLaren.

Helmut Marko calls Mick Schumacher ‘one of the most polite’ people in F1

Another wildcard contender is Mick Schumacher. The German, son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael, last raced in F1 with Haas in 2022.

Schumacher has been optimistic about a comeback as he carries out a reserve role for Mercedes and races in the World Endurance Championship for Alpine. But Audi may be his last realistic option.

A recent report suggested Mattia Binotto could hire Schumacher on a one-year deal, reducing the element of risk. Red Bull executive director Helmut Marko points out that he has an excellent track record in the junior formulae.

Speaking to F1-Insider, Marko defended Schumacher after his disappointing spell at Haas. But he also questioned whether his mindset would lend itself to the ruthless world of F1.

“Mick is one of the most polite and nicest people in the entire paddock, which is more of a disadvantage for him,” he said “He also has the handicap of a big name.

“He has already delivered in sporting terms. He won the Formula 3 championship, he won the Formula 2 championship, that alone made him interesting for Formula 1 teams.”

What Toto Wolff has heard about Mick Schumacher tests for Alpine

For a time, Schumacher looked like a contender for an Alpine seat. But now the consensus is that Doohan has won the race.

As the team’s reserve driver, the Australian was naturally at the front of the queue. Schumacher faced Doohan in a test and was apparently quicker on the long runs, but slower on a single lap.

Toto Wolff says Alpine were ‘super’ happy, but it looks as if they’re going to prioritise raw speed. They may see Doohan’s race pace disadvantage as natural given the gulf in experience.

The 25-year-old knows that this may be his last chance to get back on the grid. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll be in conversations for 2026 if he misses out for a third straight year.