At the end of his contract with Sauber, Valtteri Bottas should not be extended by the team. The Finn should make way for another driver who will satisfy Audi, whose arrival is scheduled for 2026.
The end is getting closer for Valtteri Bottas in Formula 1. In the paddock since 2013, the Finn is probably living his last weeks in F1, his contract with Sauber ends at the end of the 2024 season. It should not be extended and thus leave his place to another driver who will be part of Audi's strategy, ready to replace Sauber in 2026.
To occupy the second Sauber seat in 2025, the first having already been allocated to Nico Hülkengerg, the team seems to be targeting a young and promising profile. This is also the trend in the five drivers that we propose to replace Valtteri Bottas, even if a veteran could play spoilsport.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the choice of the future
Gabriel Bortoleto dominates F2 this season – Credit: Icon Sport
This is the most insistent rumor of the moment. At the head of the Formula 2 championship, which he competes with Frenchman Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto is the favorite to join Sauber in 2025. According to the German media Car Motor and Sportthe contract would even already be signed and the team could formalize its arrival in the days to come.
Member of McLaren's junior program since the end of 2023, Gabriel Bortoleto will not be retained by the British team in the event of an offer to Formula 1. Considered one of the most talented drivers of his generation, the Brazilian would be a bet for Sauber and Audi. But if it works, the team would win the jackpot.
Franco Colapinto, a talent to place
Franco Colapinto has been driving for Williams since the end of August – Credit: Icon Sport
Arriving in Formula 1 at the end of August, Franco Colapinto was rather interesting with Williams. If the team will not be able to keep him in 2025, with Carlos Sainz preparing to join the team alongside Alexander Albon, it would still like to try to place him elsewhere.
In mid-September, team boss James Vowles was pushing to send Franco Colapinto to Sauber. For the Swiss team, it would be a slightly less risky bet than Gabriel Bortoleto, given that he will have six Grands Prix to his credit. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve for the one who has a reserve driver contract with Williams in 2025, and who some rumors are sending to Red Bull.
Théo Pourchaire, the French touch
Théo Pourchaire won F2 in 2023 – Credit: Icon Sport
And if Théo Pourchaire finally found a place in Formula 1. Champion in the lower category in 2023, the Frenchman had to go into exile this year, notably through Indycar. But circumstances could make him finally join the paddock, he who is dying to do so.
Sauber's reserve driver, Théo Pourchaire has the advantage of already knowing the team well, having previously been part of its academy. If he is not the favorite for the seat, Sauber – who knows him well – could be tempted to offer him a season to prove his worth. A possible boon for the Frenchman as he seemed far from arriving in F1 in recent months.
Felipe Drugovich, finally an opportunity?
Felipe Drugovich is reserve driver for Aston Martin – CreditIcon Sport
Formula 2 world champion in 2022, Felipe Drugovich has since been a reserve driver at Aston Martin. Obviously frustrated, he could finally express all his talent by recovering the Sauber seat, which is so precious in the development of the Aston Martin single-seater this season.
For the Brazilian, an arrival at Sauber would be a great revenge. Indeed, the team had apparently offered him a seat for 2024, but wanted him to arrive with a budget as a “paying driver”. Felipe Drugovich then refused, not having the means and preferring to remain loyal to Aston Martin. To better make his arrival a year later?
Sergio Perez, experience and rebound
Sergio Perez is increasingly in danger at Red Bull – Credit Icon Sport
It's a very big odds, but it is not impossible to see Sergio Perez at Sauber in 2025. If he is under contract with Red Bull, the Mexican is increasingly threatened and could see Liam Lawson regain his seat . In this case, he would probably find himself free, with Red Bull having no interest in placing him with Racing Bulls.
This situation thus brings back the rumor sending him to Sauber/Audi, already heard last year and during the season. Sergio Perez has the advantage of being an experienced driver, which would allow Audi to rely on someone used to winning in Formula 1. And this would allow the German manufacturer to have a driver already referenced within the paddock and thus – perhaps – perform from 2026.
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