The Italian GP was another disappointing race for Sauber, whose status as a backmarker team is truly cemented. Sauber’s on-track performance has been poor, with the team’s biggest developments in 2024 coming away from the track. In one of his first appearances since becoming CTO, Mattia Binotto has outlined some of the drivers being considered for a 2025 seat.
Pourchaire joins Bortoleto and Bottas on Sauber shortlist
Mattia Binotto considers several options
Until now, two names have been heavily linked with a Sauber contract. These names being Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto, who have been in negotiations for some time.
Bortoleto’s recent F2 victory in Monza has strengthened his position as a contender for 2025. Mattia Binotto sees the Brazilian as someone with immense potential.
Naturally, Bottas is also being considered. The Finn is fighting to keep his seat at the Hinwil squad, even if his pursuit of a multi-year deal could complicate his chances.
Speaking to the media, Mattia Binotto has revealed that Theo Pourchaire – Sauber’s reserve driver – is also on his shortlist:
“Theo [Pourchaire] is our present reserve driver and is already part of the family, and no doubt that he is on our list.
“Gabriel [Bortoleto] is doing very well in F2. He has shown to be a great talent.
“Certainly, we are looking to what he is doing – as we are looking to many others. I don’t see that as the only name in which we are focusing our attention.
“So there are many names on the list, great potential, great expertise, great experience.
“Again… you need to judge what’s most important for us in the short, medium and long term.
“A clear, clear plan, which today I do not have really an answer for.”
No clarity on Sauber’s next move
In recent months, Sauber has undergone a series of key leadership changes. In addition to Mattia Binotto, former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley was appointed team principal in August.
Considering the team is in a transitional phase before entering as Audi F1 Team in 2026, deciding on Hulkenberg’s teammate could take time.
As Binotto himself mentioned, several variables are being considered. The team must choose if they want to invest in youth or experience, for example.
Valtteri Bottas offers continuity and has a proven record of delivering results. When Sauber were competitive at the start of 2022, the Finn consistently secured points.
Then again, Binotto could be tempted into signing a young driver.
Bortoleto has obvious potential, and the team’s lack of performance could make 2025 a relatively low-risk year to gauge a rookie driver’s abilities.
The same can be said for Theo Pourchaire, who many would argue is unlucky not to be in F1 already. Several factors are currently at play, and Sauber are far away from making a final decision.
Sauber are nowhere near fighting for points, making it difficult for Bottas to secure a strong result and boost his chances.
Pourchaire is also on the sidelines after losing his IndyCar seat, meaning that Bortoleto’s F2 results could be the biggest change in the equation as Binotto weighs up the options.
