Sauber/Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto has confirmed that Mick Schumacher is still among the names of drivers being evaluated for the vacant seat in 2025 and, possibly, 2026.
Schumacher has repeatedly reiterated his desire to return to F1, but he has failed to make a comeback since Haas F1 ousted him at the end of 2022. The German confirmed that Audi F1 was his plan A and that discussions are still ongoing.
Asked about Schumacher’s hopes of returning to F1, Binotto, who worked with him at Ferrari as a young driver, replied: “We’re evaluating him, he’s definitely on the list.”
“I met him and spoke to him. I have known him for a long time, because I knew him in the Ferrari Driver Academy. I know his strengths and his strengths. He is one of the names that we have in mind.”
Audi are considering several candidates to shoulder Nico Hulkenberg, including starter Valtteri Bottas and Williams rising star Franco Colapinto.
Binotto repeated his stance that the Hinwil-based team will not be pressed to make a choice between prioritizing experience or going for a promising name.
“We have the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided on their squad. There are two essential options: on the one hand, experience to put us on the path to growth. D “on the other hand, a talented young driver who can accompany us on the way to the top.”
The Italian conceded that we had to be attentive to the long term because the Audi project will take time to bear fruit.
“We are at the beginning of the climb. Before us is Everest, and now we can only see the base. We are deciding which side to climb, but it is important to establish a path. If we “We compare to our opponents, we have about 400 fewer people.”
“We need to increase our staff to be able to compete at the same level: you can’t find them in two days, and not necessarily in F1. Our choice is to invest in young people on the engineering side in any case.”
Enough to set a finally realistic objective? Podiums from 2026, which was announced by Audi when it announced its arrival in F1, is unlikely.
“Many teams have taken years to get to the top. Jean Todt joined Maranello in 1993 and the first constructors’ title was in 1999. Same for Mercedes in terms of timing. It will take five to seven years. We hope to be able to fight at the front in 2030.”
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