‘Important people’ are backing 129-point Formula 2 driver for 2025 Audi seat

Follow us on Google Discover

Audi have struggled to attract exciting Formula 1 talent ahead of their 2026 entry. For all their resources and prestige, prospective targets may be concerned by Sauber’s plight.

The Swiss outfit are the only team who have yet to score a point this year. And with only minimal changes to the regulations, 2025 is likely to be another season of pain.

The team will run with an Audi power unit at the start of F1’s new era in 2026, but even then it could take a while before they are truly competitive. In these circumstances, it was always going to be difficult to convince the likes of Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly or Esteban Ocon.

Nico Hulkenberg agreed to join in April, but at 36, he’s likely to be in the final years of his career. He arrives as a proven midfield performer rather than a long-term centrepiece.

With Mattia Binotto now heading up the F1 project following the surprise dismissal of Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffman, Audi are assessing their options. Valtteri Bottas could keep his seat, a development few expected earlier in the year.

But the team have also been linked with some wildcard candidates. Liam Lawson remains an option, while a one-year deal for Mick Schumacher has also been mooted.

Gabriel Bortoleto in strong position to land 2025 Audi drive

Another driver linked with the vacancy is Gabriel Bortoleto. Binotto is interested in Bortoleto, whose tally of 129 points leaves him second in the F2 championship before the season resumes.

The Brazilian is currently part of the McLaren driver academy. But with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the way, he has virtually no chance of securing a seat with the Woking outfit barring an unforeseen exit.

As such, Zak Brown may be willing to let him leave for a fair price. Theoretically, he could also loan him to Audi, though the German giants may not countenance such an arrangement.

Speaking on the Motorsport Brazil YouTube channel, journalist Mariana Becker talked up Bortoleto’s chances. The 19-year-old has the crucial backing of manager and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

“There are important people in important places, right?” he said. “That could help him a lot. I think he still has promise. I put my chips there.”

Why Audi are unlikely to hire Sebastian Vettel for 2025

Another shock name in the Audi conversation is Sebastian Vettel. There have been murmurings all year that the four-time title winner may be considering an F1 comeback after retiring in 2022.

Vettel was linked with the Mercedes seat, but a team like Audi was always a more realistic destination. With the dependable Hulkenberg on board and little to fight for in 2025, they’re in a better position to take a gamble.

Realistically, though, Binotto is unlikely to sign Vettel. He was instrumental in the German’s departure from Ferrari at the end of 2020, so may not entertain a reunion.

The former Scuderia boss called Vettel’s time at Maranello a ‘failure’. While he may not have ended their championship drought, he did win 14 races – more than any of their drivers since Michael Schumacher.