Mattia Binotto is considering who will partner Hulkenberg at Sauber in 2025. Bortoleto is the top candidate, Vettel the dream, with Mick Schumacher and Pourchaire also on the list.
Sauber’s 2024 season has been long and difficult. As the season nears its end, the outlook for the Swiss team remains bleak, still stuck at zero points in the Constructors’ standings after 16 races. The disastrous car provided to Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou never came close to scoring points, and the possibility of breaking out of this nightmare seems like a far-off dream. Despite the general negativity at Hinwil, 2024 has seen significant changes: Andreas Seidl, Sauber’s CEO and designated boss for Audi from 2026, has resigned, along with his close associates. Taking charge of the situation is Mattia Binotto, returning to F1.
The Lausanne team principal, after four years of ups and downs (mostly downs) at Ferrari, has immediately announced major changes for 2025. The transition from Sauber to Audi must not be underestimated, as the new CEO believes next year will be crucial for laying the foundations for 2026. “Year zero” and the highly anticipated revolution will see the grand debut of the “four rings” brand, initially greeted with much fanfare but now with excitement fading. It’s no coincidence that Carlos Sainz rejected the German project in favor of James Vowles’ Williams.
Despite Audi’s project becoming less appealing to drivers (most are already signed for 2025), due in part to the corporate turmoil of recent months, the German team still needs a second driver. This driver will already be selected for the 2025 season, even though the team will still race under the Kick Stake Sauber name next year. The identity of Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate remains a mystery in Hinwil: Bortoleto seems the most likely option, with Mick Schumacher and Theo Pourchaire as “free agents”, and finally, Sebastian Vettel—the dream candidate for everyone. Many ideas, some promising, but few concrete possibilities at the moment.
Bortoleto to Audi or the Vettel Dream?
We recently reported on Audi’s clear interest in Gabriel Bortoleto. His impressive Formula 2 season has not only attracted the attention of several top-tier teams, but it has also prompted thoughts of promoting the young Brazilian, born in 2004, into Formula 1. Bortoleto could follow in the footsteps of Kimi Antonelli and Jack Doohan, who are both confirmed for 2025 with Mercedes and Alpine, respectively. However, unlike Antonelli and Doohan, whose cars will likely be more competitive than the future Sauber, Bortoleto’s debut would be in a backmarker car—a path that mirrors the early career of Charles Leclerc, also discovered and promoted by Binotto.
However, Binotto’s plan to bring Bortoleto to Sauber-Audi is currently on hold due to a third party: McLaren, who holds the rights to their third driver. Letting go of the extraordinary 19-year-old Brazilian could be a long-term mistake for Woking, despite their strong lineup with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Much will depend on Bortoleto’s own intentions and the decision Zak Brown and Andrea Stella will soon make, with the significant risk of losing a rising star.
As for Theo Pourchaire and Mick Schumacher, they present different scenarios. Pourchaire is likely a last resort and a product of Sauber’s junior program, while Mick is currently Mercedes’ third driver. Sponsored several times by Toto Wolff, Mick has not been in Formula 1 since 2022, when he was replaced by Hulkenberg at Haas. With Alpine choosing Doohan and Williams selecting Sainz, Mick’s chances of returning to F1 seem slim, and it’s doubtful that Sauber will invest in him.
From one German to another, the standout name in recent weeks has been Sebastian Vettel. The four-time World Champion retired in 2022, but numerous hints have suggested a possible return to the paddock. According to German media, Vettel has been courted by Binotto for a seat at Audi in 2026, potentially forming an all-German partnership with the experienced Hulkenberg. The issue for the German manufacturer doesn’t even seem to be Vettel’s high salary but rather 2025, a year when no one appears eager to race for a team like Sauber. But time will tell. The 2025 Sauber-Audi era under Binotto has certainly already begun.
Photo: Kick Sauber Stake F1 Team, F1, Gabriel Bortoleto X
