Sauber told to sign ‘perfect’ driver for 2025 instead of ‘sensible’ Valtteri Bottas

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The question of who the second driver at Sauber for the 2025 Formula 1 season will be is still rumbling on as racing action returns for the United States Grand Prix.

The Swiss outfit are still yet to score a point 18 races into the 2024 campaign as drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have desperately struggled at the back of the grid.

Ahead of their transition to an Audi factory team in 2026, Sauber have signed Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 campaign on a multi-year deal. The German’s teammate is the last driver that needs to be confirmed for next season.

Several drivers have been linked with the vacant seat across the season. Mick Schumacher has recently re-emerged as a candidate after Mattia Binotto confirmed talks with the German over a potential move.

Helmut Marko reckons Audi are ‘serious considering’ Schumacher as an option in what would complete an all-German line-up for the team. However, to some, the move would be a ‘slap in the face’ for Sauber’s academy drivers who have been patiently waiting for a chance in F1.

Franco Colapinto joining Sauber for 2025 is the ‘ideal scenario’ for the team

Bottas is considered the favourite to keep his seat for 2025, but his difficulties in agreeing a contract with the team could deny him a spot on the grid next year.

Gabriel Bortoleto is also a contender for the Sauber seat, but McLaren will not be willing to let him leave the team permanently. Williams starlet Franco Colapinto is reportedly in talks with Audi over a loan move to the team as the Grove-based team look to continue his impressive progression.

And according to journalist Ben Hunt via the Autosport F1  & Motorsport Podcast, Colapinto joining Sauber would be the ‘ideal scenario for the team.

“I’d love that. I think that would be, for me, the ideal scenario for them, just to see what he does over the course of a season rather than just a couple of races,” he said.

“So, for me that would be the perfect option. But given the fact that they’ve got so much work to do at Audi, the sensible choice probably is going for that, tried and tested, Valtteri Bottas figure.”

Should Sauber sign Franco Colapinto on loan from Williams?

In just three races with Williams in 2024, Colapinto has already proven that he is a talent with bags of potential in F1.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Williams driver Franco Colapinto with praise to stats

The Argentinian driver climbed from 18th to 12th on his debut at the Italian Grand Prix and in Baku, he registered his first points finish in F1 with eighth. Last time out in Singapore, Colapinto narrowly missed out on points by finishing 11th.

The 21-year-old moving to Sauber would be a good move for all parties; it gives Colapinto the chance to prove himself across a full season, while Sauber get to benefit from a young and exciting driver as Williams assess him for a future seat.

Bottas may be the safe option as he has been established with Sauber since 2022. But with his struggles this season and the promising talent that is coming up through the tanks, it may be worth looking elsewhere for Hulkenberg’s teammate.