Mick Schumacher, the 25-year-old son of legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, is now officially in the running for a potential return to Formula 1, this time with Audi-Sauber. The team, led by new team principal Mattia Binotto, has announced Schumacher as a candidate for their 2025 driver lineup. This development marks a significant turn for Schumacher, who has remained within the F1 circles as a reserve driver for Mercedes following his departure from Haas at the end of the 2022 season. His involvement with Audi-Sauber opens up a promising prospect for the young driver, whose options for a full-time seat seemed limited until this announcement.
Audi-Sauber, as they prepare for a full acquisition by Audi in 2026, is in the process of assembling a competitive team. Binotto, with his experience as the former Ferrari team principal, confirmed that Schumacher could potentially team up with F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg, who is confirmed to be taking the seat next year. However, the decision is still in its early stages, with other candidates, such as the experienced Valtteri Bottas and F2 frontrunner Gabriel Bortoleto, also in the mix. Binotto admitted that the team is in no rush to make a hasty decision.
"We can afford the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided their line-ups.”
The strategy behind Audi-Sauber’s driver selection involves a evaluation of experience versus youth, a dilemma that Binotto discussed.
"There are two essential options: on the one hand, experience to set us on the growth path. On the other is a young, talented driver who can accompany us on the path to the top,” he explained.
Mick Schumacher's candidacy is bolstered by his previous connection to Binotto through the Ferrari Driver Academy, providing a layer of familiarity in his capabilities.
"We are definitely evaluating him. I met him and spoke to him. I have known him for a long time, having been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. I know his strengths and advantages. He is one of the names we have in mind," Binotto confirmed.
Audi’s ambitious plans to fully transition Sauber into an Audi-dominated outfit by 2026 necessitates thoughtful choices in driver selection that will influence their long-term objectives of becoming a top-tier competitor in the sport by 2030. This endeavor is comparable to historic efforts made by teams like Ferrari and Mercedes, as Binotto noted.
"Other teams have taken years to get to the top. [Jean] Todt joined Maranello in 1993 and the first constructors' title was in 1999. Same thing for Mercedes. It will take five to seven years. We expect to be able to fight in 2030."
In building towards this future, one immediate focus for Audi-Sauber is expanding their team and investing in youth, as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and world-leading F1 teams.
"If we compare ourselves with our opponents, we have about 400 fewer people. We need to add to them to be able to compete at the same level: they cannot be found in two days, and not necessarily in F1. Our choice is to invest in young people," Binotto said. "We are at the beginning of the climb. In front of us, there 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."
For Mick Schumacher, the opportunity to potentially fill a seat at Audi-Sauber carries considerable stakes. Not only does it offer a chance to revive his F1 career, but it may also influence his future pursuits in motorsport. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko commented on his chances.
"If Schumacher doesn't get this seat, then Formula 1 history is over for him.”
