Sauber increasingly likely to sign ‘talented’ driver after Valtteri Bottas struggles at US Grand Prix

Follow us on Google Discover

Audi hired Mattia Binotto to replace Andreas Seidl to prepare the German manufacturing giant’s first step into Formula 1 in 2026.

Binotto previously had experience in the sport most notably as Ferrari’s team principal, but the challenge he faces turning around a failing Sauber team couldn’t be further from the pressures he felt in Maranello.

While pressure from Ferrari bosses was put on Mattia Binotto to win championships, Sauber are still hunting for their first point.

The Italian has already acted fast and hired Jonathan Wheatley to take over as team principal in time for Audi’s debut in 2026.

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

His predecessor also secured the services of in-form Nico Hulkenberg who will lead the team going forward.

However, Sauber still only have one driver signed up for next year and RTL journalist and F1 insider Felix Gorner has relayed to Sport.de more information about their search for a teammate for Hulkenberg.

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are the team’s current drivers but neither has stood out enough to earn a contract extension at this stage.

Zhou could become a reserve driver next year, however, Bottas is looking increasingly unlikely to earn a new deal.

Gorner believes that this is good news for Mick Schumacher as he dreams of an F1 return.

Binotto has admitted holding recent conversations with Schumacher about signing for Sauber and that reality may be looking ‘increasingly’ likely.

Mick Schumacher’s chances of signing for Sauber are improving

Talking about Sauber’s driver situation, Gorner said: “Mattia Binotto saw at the weekend that neither Bottas nor Zhou covered themselves in glory and did not recommend themselves for another season in this team.

“The chances of Mick getting this cockpit are increasing. Binotto is now very inclined to say, let’s try it with two German drivers. That is the feeling after the US Grand Prix.

“There will be no decision from Audi this week either.”

READ MORE: Who is F1 reserve and Alpine WEC star Mick Schumacher? Everything to know

Gorner believes that Schumacher’s recent conversations with Binotto have been ‘positive’.

Sauber are unlikely to announce their next driver until after the current triple header of races.

However, that’s a line the team have used before with many people believing Hulkenberg would have known the identity of his teammate months ago.

Mick Schumacher facing competition from other young drivers for Sauber seats

If Bottas and Zhou are set to be moved on, it doesn’t mean Schumacher has a straightforward route back onto the F1 grid.

There are two other young drivers who are in the frame to race for Sauber next year: Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto.

One report has suggested that Colapinto and Bortoleto talks have ‘more than stalled’, but it’s going to be hard to look past the Argentinian considering the performances he’s putting in for Williams.

Colapinto outperformed Alex Albon at the United States Grand Prix and already knows he needs to leave Williams if he’s going to be racing in F1 next year.

Bortoleto is in less of a rush to make the most of the hype around him, although if he wins the Formula 2 championship this year then he will need to find a new series to race in.

The McLaren junior won’t be replacing Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri any time soon, meaning joining Sauber makes a lot of sense.

However, Schumacher’s previous relationship with Binotto and the prospect of Audi lining up with an all-German partnership may be increasingly appealing.