Nico Hulkenberg said he stayed “completely neutral” as to whether Sauber/Audi should sign Mick Schumacher for 2025.
Several sources in Singapore were convinced that Valtteri Bottas was close to being reappointed.
But Roger Benoit, the correspondent for the newspaper Blick, says that the 34-year-old Finn is now hesitant to accept an offer of a simple one-year contract. What seemed like a formality is now turning into his probable departure because Bottas wants at least two years, still at a good salary.
German newspaper Bild also suspects Bottas of hesitating over the terms of his contract with Sauber in 2025.
According to their information, Mick Schumacher was no longer part of the plans of the new team boss, Mattia Binotto. Valtteri Bottas was to stay another year. The contract had already been prepared and this was confirmed. But Bottas plays too much, with duration and salary. If the Finn sticks to his high demands, Mick Schumacher could be back in the game according to Bild.
Binotto also revealed this week that Schumacher was “certainly” an option for 2025, and that he had recently met the 25-year-old former Haas F1 driver.
He has since responded to claims that Schumacher may not be the fastest driver in the Formula 1 paddock.
“On some tracks he needs a few more attempts to establish the fastest lap. But you have to judge a driver not only by his speed, but also by his attitude.”
Current Haas F1 driver Hulkenberg signed with Audi-Sauber for 2025 and beyond last April. With Schumacher as a teammate this would constitute a 100% German driver team.
"The Audi factory team will probably generate some interest in Germany," dit Hulkenberg.
“German manufacturer, German driver and of course a German GP would be desirable for a motoring nation.”
“For my teammate, I have no requirements – I am completely neutral. Firstly, I have no say in the matter, and secondly, the responsible people at Audi will decide which driver duo will offer the best performance. I will not intervene in this.”
Hulkenberg explained that he isn’t thinking much about 2025 at the moment.
“There’s not much I can do about it now. I can’t really influence much and that’s not my job. I’m still 100% at Haas and I want to finish this chapter the right way. most successful and positive possible. All my energy and all my concentration are therefore focused on Haas F1.
Related News :