Mick Schumacher finally close to a return to Formula 1 with Audi

It is a series definitely rich in twists and turns. Apart from the Red Bull team, who has not yet announced Yuki Tsunoda’s future teammate at Racing Bulls (even if Liam Lawson, who has just replaced Ricciardo, is on the right track), Sauber is the only team that has not yet announced its two drivers.

Hülkenberg is still awaiting the identity of his future teammate after having signed with the Swiss team at the beginning of the season. While Valtteri Bottas seemed well on his way to securing a contract extension, some recent rumors mention the name of Mick Schumacher at the Hinwil team.

Divergences in the terms of future contract for Bottas

The Swiss-German publication Blick asserts: The Finnish driver, winner of 10 Grand Prix races in Formula 1, is causing problems in the negotiations. The former Mercedes driver is demanding a long-term contract with a salary increase, which Audi cannot really offer him. At the same time, his still very close ties with Toto Wolff worry the future Audi manufacturer, who would not want its driver to be able to disclose information about the brand’s project.

From then on, the German manufacturer headed towards other horizons, notably in Formula 2. This is particularly the case for Bortoleto, the current leader of the championship, and the former driver of the discipline, the Argentinian Franco Colapinto, who will be driving for Williams until the end of the 2024 season.

Formula 2 drivers not yet experienced enough in the discipline

However, once again, discussions do not seem to lead to an agreement. Some media outlets, such as Planet F1, even suggest that neither of the two previously mentioned drivers will be in the second Audi seat in 2025. This information had also been relayed by James Vowles, the boss of the British team, regarding his new driver who arrived at the Italian Grand Prix in place of Logan Sargeant. After the Singapore Grand Prix, he stated that Audi’s interest in Colapinto was rather weak, given his late arrival on the starting grid.

On Gabriel Bortoleto’s side, if the information is accurate, it would be a tough blow for the Brazilian driver, who was still considered for this seat a few days ago. However, Audi is reportedly considering reserving a seat for him for 2026 instead. This situation does not worry his mentor, the two-time Spanish Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, who recognizes the talent of his driver and is convinced that he will soon be on the starting grid.

« Gabriel is simply a rookie with pure talent. It’s amazing,” declared the Aston Martin driver about the 2023 Formula 3 world champion. « We have to give Gabriel time. His moment in Formula 1 will come. We must not take any shortcuts that could hinder the development of his talent. » With all these complications, a driver could benefit: Mick Schumacher. The former Haas driver had been erased from the list by Mattia Binotto, but the latest news is gradually narrowing down the number of candidates (Zane Maloney, a driver from the Sauber Academy, has decided to join the Formula E championship with the ABT Lola team).

Mick Schumacher finally at Audi in 2025?

Currently engaged in the World Endurance Championship for Alpine, while also being a reserve driver for Mercedes, the son of the seven-time world champion has never hidden his desire to return to Formula 1. Furthermore, he has recently received significant support from Helmut Marko. The Austrian, known for his outspokenness, has stated that it would be incomprehensible to see Bottas extend for another year at Sauber and wants to see Mick Schumacher back on the grid.

« Mick was not treated as he deserved. Behind the scenes, all I hear is good things about him. Schumacher is a safe choice, and if he does not get good results, they have plenty of time to replace him for 2026. I think the Audi car will certainly not be a winning car next year. This means that there would have been no pressure on Audi or on the driver [Schumacher]. This would be a good comparison with Nico Hülkenberg », Marko advanced.

For the head of the young driver program at Red Bull, this is Mick’s last opportunity to regain his place in Formula 1. “I think if Schumacher doesn’t secure this seat, then his F1 story is over. He should then focus on endurance racing, where he has been very successful, and continue down that path. If Schumacher stays in motorsport, he will have to find something that he enjoys, but also where he has a chance to win,” Marko told RTL Germany. Negotiations are expected to continue with Audi. Currently, no one seems to know who will be Nico Hülkenberg’s teammate in 2025.