Helmut Marko says Audi are ‘now seriously considering’ new driver for 2025

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Audi have considered numerous drivers for Sauber since signing Nico Hulkenberg at the end of April. But the race for one of the final seats on the 2025 grid is not yet settled.

Valtteri Bottas has outperformed Zhou Guanyu this season, making him the favourite among the incumbent duo. Zhou looks destined to become a reserve driver in 2025.

Recent reports have claimed that Bottas has agreed a one-year deal to partner Hulkenberg. But speaking to f1-insider.com, Red Bull executive director Helmut Marko suggested this wasn’t the case.

Bottas is one of the most experienced drivers on the F1 grid. Indeed, he’ll reach 250 race starts early next year if Audi keep him on.

However, Mattia Binotto has also explored moves for two young talents. Franco Colapinto has caught Audi’s eye with his remarkable start at Williams since replacing Logan Sargeant.

Gabriel Bortoleto also emerged as an option for Sauber after taking the lead of the Formula 2 championship. Bortoleto is part of the McLaren academy and may only be available on loan.

Helmut Marko hints Mick Schumacher’s Audi 2025 chances have improved

If Audi want a driver who isn’t simultaneously contracted elsewhere, then Mick Schumacher could be an option. Schumacher is currently racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship and acting as a reserve for the Mercedes-powered F1 teams, but he’d be released from those duties if he signed for Sauber.

Schumacher was set to lose out on a 2025 seat, but Marko says Audi are giving the signing renewed ‘consideration’. The prospect of an all-German line-up may appeal.

Marko believes Red Bull are responsible for teams’ willingness to give young drivers a chance. By quickly promoting the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to their top team, they’ve shown that risks can deliver spectacular results.

At 25, Schumacher isn’t quite as young as Kimi Antonelli (18), Oliver Bearman (19) or Colapinto (21). But relative to many F1 drivers, he remains inexperienced, having completed just two seasons at Haas before losing his drive.

“We started with the philosophy of giving young drivers a chance in Formula 1,” Marko said. “Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are just three examples.

“The others are now following this philosophy. Mercedes is giving Kimi Antonelli a chance, Haas Oliver Bearman, Williams Franco Colapinto and it seems that, fortunately, Audi is now seriously considering the young Mick Schumacher.”

Audi could give their academy duo a ‘slap in the face’ with 2025 move

Schumacher has received backing from several big names in the course of this year’s driver market. And perhaps that has had an influence on Binotto.

McLaren’s Andrea Stella urged Williams to sign Schumacher when they fired Sargeant. James Vowles wasn’t convinced and decided to look in-house instead.

Speaking after that snub, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone called for Schumacher to get a second chance. He feels he needs a supportive team boss to nurture his talent.

His stock in the market has been relatively low given that he lost his drive two years ago. As such, it would be a ‘slap in the face’ for Theo Pourchaire and Zane Maloney, Sauber’s academy drivers, if he won the race for the Sauber seat.