Lawrence Barretto says ‘everything is in place’ for one driver to sign 2025 Sauber contract

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Sauber are in a tumultuous position this season and the prospect of things improving in 2025 are very slim.

Next year will be the final campaign where Sauber are on the grid before they become the Audi works team in time for 2026 and the next generation of Formula 1 regulations.

The cars are going to change dramatically which will level the playing field and give Audi an opportunity to be competitive again, rather than building on the worst F1 team on the grid right now.

This season’s driver market has been chaotic, to say the least, with many moves made much earlier than in previous years due to Lewis Hamilton announcing his decision to join Ferrari in February, setting off a chain reaction involving several drivers.

This has left Sauber as the final team – aside from Red Bull/RB – who have yet to confirm both of their drivers for next year.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future

Nico Hulkenberg signed up to join Sauber earlier in the year, but journalist Lawrence Barretto has shared the latest information he’s heard about who will join him.

Several young drivers have been linked with the seat including McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto and Williams star Franco Colapinto.

However, Barretto believes that Valtteri Bottas is still in pole position to retain his seat for next year.

The longer the wait goes on, the more chance Colapinto has of impressing Audi’s bosses to such an extent that making a move for the Argentinian suddenly becomes a no-brainer.

Valtteri Bottas is in ‘good shape’ to retain his Sauber seat for 2025

Posting on X, Barretto said: “I understand Valtteri Bottas is in good shape to retain his seat at Sauber/Audi, but F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto is still under consideration – and that’s why the team have yet to make a final call.”

Barretto then elaborated on the Formula 1 website and continued: “Valtteri Bottas has long been the favourite to get the nod for what will be a fourth season with the Swiss operation.

“Talks between the Finn, his management and Sauber/Audi boss Mattia Binotto had progressed to the extent there was chatter a new deal could be announced before Austin.

READ MORE: Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin

“However, that never happened. When I asked him in Austin why not, he replied: “I think that’s more a question for Mattia.

“I’ve been informed there’s nothing really I can do at this point, so I’ll just focus on racing and my performance. You should ask Mattia, but I’m always positive – and at the same time do my job and hope eventually everything will be sorted.”

“It seems everything is in place for Bottas to stay on, with the team edging towards favouring experience. The Finn therefore remains in a very strong position to get the nod – but evidently, Sauber/Audi have yet to close off their other options.”

Valtteri Bottas still facing Sauber decision that could end his F1 career

Bottas has yet to score a point this season and currently sits bottom of the Drivers’ Championship.

That’s not a fair reflection of his performances this year, having outperformed teammate Zhou Guanyu for the majority of the campaign.

However, he’s very unlikely to record a top-ten finish this season as Sauber are so uncompetitive compared to their rivals in the midfield.

Bottas has been told that Sauber are considering going with youth over experience, but only time will tell as to whether Mattia Binotto believes that’s the right direction.

It could come down to cost as well, and Bottas may be asking for more money than Sauber are prepared to pay at this stage.