Sauber’s second seat still up in the air for 2025
As the 2024 Formula 1 season is in full swing, speculations are rife about the driver who will join Nico Hülkenberg at Sauber in 2025. With the recruitment of the German veteran already confirmed, attention is now turning to the last available seat within the team, which will soon be under the Audi banner.
On the occasion of the Monza Grand Prix, Mattia Binotto, technical director and project supervisor at Audi, discussed the list of potential candidates for the last remaining seat at Sauber next year.
Three names keep coming back: Valtteri Bottas, Gabriele Bortoleto, and Théo Pourchaire.
Valtteri Bottas: the unwavering experience
The first name that inevitably stands out is that of Valtteri Bottas. Currently under contract with Sauber, the Finn seems to be the favorite for a seat in 2025. With his many years at Mercedes, Bottas has valuable experience, particularly in terms of development and managing pressure at the top of the standings. His ability to consistently score points, even in difficult conditions, makes him a serious candidate to continue alongside Hülkenberg.
If the latter wants to be reassured about his future in F1, Binotto, however, specified that he does not want to close the door to young talents.
We are reflecting on whether we want to focus on experience or on youth. Nothing has been decided yet, but we should soon make a decision, as we do not want speculations to multiply.
Gabriele Bortoleto: the young talent on the rise
The young Brazilian, currently impressive in Formula 2, has quickly established himself as one of the most promising talents of his generation. His natural pace and ability to adapt quickly to new situations have caught the attention of the former Scuderia director.
« He is doing very well in F2 and has shown that he has great talent. We are monitoring what he is doing as we do with many others, but they are not the only names we are looking at.
Bortoleto would bring a freshness and necessary ambition to a team in full reconstruction. This choice also represents a bet on the future, with Audi seeking to build a team capable of competing at the highest level in the medium and long term.
Théo Pourchaire: a member of the family
The French driver, a member of the Sauber academy, has long been considered for a Formula 1 seat. Currently a reserve driver for the team, Pourchaire has already shown his potential in F2, establishing himself as one of the fastest drivers.
In addition to his qualities on the track, the French driver has the advantage of already knowing the Sauber environment. His promotion to a full-time position in 2025 would be the culmination of a journey in close collaboration with the team.
The young driver also believes he deserves his place in F1 and according to him, the question is not whether he is capable, but whether he will have his chance.
« I just need an opportunity. I am ready to give everything. I am passionate about this sport… I just ask for a seat, a steering wheel, and my chance in a car.
Last in the standings in 2024 and still having not scored any points, the Sauber team is a cause for concern and Mattia Binotto did not hesitate to speak out on the subject. “We need to step up and gain strength in all areas. The team’s current position is unacceptable.”
Nico Hülkenberg’s choice of teammate is therefore crucial to enable the Swiss team to approach the 2025 season correctly, but also to develop the 2026 car.
