Who Mattia Binotto is now ‘leaning’ towards for next year’s Sauber seat

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There are limited seats left on the 2025 Formula 1 grid with two possible openings following the confirmation of Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.

Visa CashApp RB has yet to say how it will proceed with its driver lineup next year, having only confirmed Yuki Tsunoda, but Red Bull is expected to reveal its plans for Liam Lawson later this month.

This leaves the remaining seat at Sauber alongside Nico Hulkenberg, which is expected to be chosen with the long-term in mind with Audi’s impending takeover in 2026.

Both F2 drivers Theo Pourchaire and Gabriel Bortoleto have been named as two youngsters who could take over the seat, but speaking on the Formel Schmidt podcast, journalist Michael Schmidt has shared what team manager Mattia Binotto has told him about the seat.

Mattia Binotto leaning towards experienced driver for second Sauber seat

With a wealth of young talent available in the junior ranks, Binotto has been more inclined to hire a driver that has experience for the second seat.

Current driver Valtteri Bottas would be the perfect fit in this case, who has been staying on with the team despite their poor results in anticipation of an offer to join the Audi project.

“I spoke to Binotto and he openly said it’s a question of experience. Experience in principal can only be Bottas and maybe Ricciardo if he somehow comes onto the market,” said Schmidt.

“There is a whole series of inexperienced youth talent that are still difficult to assess. Somewhere in between it depends on Mick Schumacher. But I think the team itself is leaning a bit towards experience.”

Valtteri Bottas contract demand could mean Sauber is forced to look elsewhere

Sauber has yet to score a point in 2024 in what is fast becoming one of their worst seasons since 2014, when both Esteban Guiterrez and Adrian Sutil failed to score any points.

Bottas is reportedly happy to stay on board the project despite the difficult results, but only if he can sign a multi-year deal that secures his future with Audi.

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However, Audi only wants to offer Bottas a one-year contract so they can leave their options open for 2026 when there is expected to be more movement in the driver market.

With two drivers already on the shortlist and Franco Colapinto also impressing on his F1 debut at Monza, it appears Sauber will have a wealth of options.