Mick Schumacher will not restart his Formula 1 career next season after Sauber-Audi's decision to prefer Gabriel Bortoleto.
Audi F1 team principal Mattia Binotto has explained why he did not retain Mick Schumacher for a starting driver role in 2025.
During an interview relayed by PlanetF1.comBinotto drew a surprising parallel with Mercedes and Toto Wolff, who had also sidelined Schumacher in favor of the young Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
This decision by Mercedes would have influenced that of Binotto, who opted for Gabriel Bortoleto, current F2 leader and protégé of Fernando Alonso, to complete the Audi team alongside Nico Hülkenberg.
A decision that surprises but is part of Audi's strategy
Although Mick Schumacher had long been considered for a return to F1 with Audi, Binotto ultimately preferred the emerging talent of Bortoleto. According to him, Schumacher was a “serious candidate”but Audi had to make a forward-looking choice.
“There is no reason to blame me, we just chose Gabriel” Binotto said. The move appears to mark a turning point for Schumacher, who was hoping to return to the F1 grid after his role as a reserve at Mercedes.
For Binotto, Mercedes' choice of Antonelli somehow validates Audi's decision not to invest in Schumacher. Mercedes having preferred the young Antonelli to Mick, Audi therefore saw no reason to bet on him.
Binotto insisted he was not alone in making this type of choice, indirectly pointing the finger at Wolff's logic.
Schumacher: an opportunity in the WEC with Alpine?
With this choice, Schumacher's future in F1 is darkening. Former driver at Haas, Mick has not yet found a stable position as a starter. His link with Binotto, established when he was in the Ferrari sector, was not enough to guarantee a place at Audi.
In the short term, Mick should now focus on the World Endurance Championship with Alpine, where he has already started. This new project could well become his main objective in the absence of a seat in F1.
The Bottas case: a contract that did not come to fruition
At the same time, Binotto also clarified why Audi did not retain Valtteri Bottas. Negotiations between Audi and the Finnish driver reportedly broke down over the duration of the contract. Bottas, renowned for his consistency and experience, was looking for a long-term contract.
However, Binotto explained that this commitment would have slowed down Audi F1's transformation plans by 2026. The two parties therefore agreed on a “mutual understanding”leaving room for Bortoleto to fill the seat.
Gabriel Bortoleto: youth at the service of Audi F1
By recruiting Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi is betting on youth and the future. Aged only 20, the Brazilian driver is currently favorite for the F2 championship title and enjoys the support of influential figure, Fernando Alonso.
Binotto sees Bortoleto as a key element in ensuring the transition from Sauber to Audi. This strategic choice demonstrates Audi's desire to build a competitive team for the years to come.
A hard blow for Mick Schumacher
For Mick Schumacher, this decision sounds like a disappointment. The choices of Binotto and Wolff are reminiscent of the harsh realities of F1, where only drivers with potential considered optimal are retained. By banking on Bortoleto, Audi F1 seems to be starting a new era, leaving Mick aside despite his heritage and his efforts.
The ruthless competition of F1 continues, with choices that shape the future of each team and each driver.
