Red Bull deputy Helmut Marko has expressed strong opinions about Sauber’s decision-making process regarding their Formula 1 team for 2025, arguing that it would be “incomprehensible” for the team to choose Valtteri Bottas over Mick Schumacher.
Sauber, which will transform into an Audi team by 2026, has the last vacant seat outside the Red Bull driver stable. With Nico Hülkenberg confirmed for a seat, the team must choose between another experienced driver or take a chance with a young talent. The decision attracts attention as Schumacher, currently a reserve driver at Mercedes, seeks to return to the F1 grid after being let go by Haas at the end of 2022.
Although names like Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto are being considered for Sauber’s second seat, Marko firmly believes that Schumacher deserves another chance in the sport, especially as Sauber will have little pressure to perform next season.
Marko told Sport.de : “I think Audi’s car will definitely not be a winning car next year. This means there will be no pressure on Audi or its drivers. That would be a good comparison with Nico Hülkenberg. If the performance is not there, you can always replace it for 2026.”
Rumors suggest Sauber is considering offering Bottas a short-term extension, but Marko maintains choosing the Finn over Schumacher would be a missed opportunity. Bottas, who joined Sauber after leaving Mercedes in 2021, has struggled to find his level in recent seasons.
Marko was clear in his criticism, stating: “If the situation really is that Valtteri Bottas gets the chance, then all this is even more incomprehensible to me.”
Schumacher, who found a foothold in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine while serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes, could see his hopes of a return to F1 dim if he misses out on the seat at Sauber. Marko believes this could be Schumacher’s last chance for a full-time return to F1.
“I think Formula 1 history is really over for Schumacher if he doesn’t get this seat at Audi,” Marko added. “He will then have to concentrate on endurance races in the WEC, where he has already enjoyed a lot of success. If he wants to stay in motorsport, he needs to find something that he enjoys, but where he also has a chance of winning.”
Despite the uncertainty, Schumacher remains optimistic, saying in an interview with Autosport“Whatever happens for the future, it will be decided at some point this year, hopefully. But definitely the hope is for Formula 1, because that’s what I’ve dreamed of since I was little, but it’s definitely great to be in the WEC.”
With Sauber’s decision looming, Schumacher’s future in Formula 1 hangs in the balance.
