As the 2024 season enters its final stretch, Sauber are yet to announce their 2025 driver line-up. Following weeks and months of speculation, Mattia Binotto says a decision must be made soon. The former Ferrari team principal has explained the team’s thought process.
Binotto: Sauber cannot continue to delay a decision
Valtteri Bottas, Gabriel Bortoleto and Theo Pourchaire are all on Sauber’s shortlist for next season.
All three drivers bring a combination of speed, experience, youth and commercial potential. The last factor could be a particularly important metric for Audi, as they look to establish their F1 fanbase.
In any case, the Hinwil-based operation has no shortage of options – and enough data to make an informed decision.
With all the information needed to make a final call, Mattia Binotto explains that a final decision is approaching:
“We need to decide,” Motorsportweek quotes him as saying.
“And today, I don’t think we are in the position to answer. We are certainly listening to all potential drivers
“We are certainly evaluating what’s the problem that comes with the best compromise… It’s a choice which you put on the balance of all the aspects.
“I think we will decide as soon as possible, no doubt. Because we need to set up the team for next year and for the future.”
There are a few variables to consider when analysing the Sauber situation. The first, quite clearly, is that there is a lot of hesitance about their next signing.
When considering that Audi will officially enter F1 in 2026, the team’s next decision will also be crucial for their long-term project.
This is another reason why securing a multi-year contract is essential for Valtteri Bottas. The Finn, who has always pushed for long-term deals, wants to be certain about his future in 2025 and 2026 as well.
Whilst Bottas is understandably after a multi-year deal, Audi could be reluctant to make him part of their project. Because of this, someone like Gabriel Bortoleto – who was spotted talking to Mattia Binotto in Monza – could be a preferred option.
Not only is Bortoleto a young driver with immense potential, but he is likely more open to signing a one-year agreement. This could give Binotto’s team an element of flexibility they would like to retain in 2025 – as they formulate their plans for the next regulations and beyond.
