Sauber are among the few teams without a confirmed line-up for next season. As Audi prepares to enter F1 in two years, the German manufacturer is stamping their authority on Sauber’s direction. Valtteri Bottas is still in contention to drive for the Hinwil-based team next season. However, youngsters like Gabriel Bortoleto and Robert Schwartzman are entering the race.
Audi to evaluate Bortoleto, Shwartzman and others
As reported in previous weeks, Valtteri Bottas is not to be overlooked in the driver market. The 10-time race winner has immense experience and a proven record in Formula 1.
That said, Audi are hesitant about extending the 34-year-old’s contract. This has been common knowledge for over a year, evidenced most plainly by the decision to sign Nico Hulkenberg before anyone else.
What makes a contract extension even more difficult for the Finn is the emergence of other youngsters as candidates to join the team.
Gabriel Bortoleto was first mentioned as a contender several weeks ago. The 19-year-old is having a fantastic rookie season in Formula 2 – currently second in the standings.
Under the management of Fernando Alonso, the Brazilian will undoubtedly be well-represented if he continues to perform at a high level.
Perhaps more than anyone else, Bortoleto can influence Audi’s decision-making in the upcoming months with on-track performances.
However, another young driver is also in contention. Robert Shwartzman, formerly in the Ferrari academy, will drive for Sauber in FP1 at Zandvoort this weekend.
The 24-year-old is understood to be under consideration by CTO Mattia Binotto ahead of 2025. Whilst he is by no means a clear favourite, he is still a name to take note of as the second half of the season begins.
Bottas and Zhou under pressure
On paper, Sauber’s current drivers will also be part of the team’s considerations for next season.
However, all indications suggest that neither driver is part of Audi’s long-term vision. If this were the case, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon wouldn’t have been shown interest from the team.
At this stage, with Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley recently being appointed to such senior positions, there are still a lot of unknowns.
This makes predicting their priorities for their next signing (i.e. youth, experience or continuity) very difficult.
That said, Bottas and Zhou will both fight for their F1 careers in the coming months.
