At this stage, numerous drivers are linked to Sauber’s vacant 2025 seat. The Swiss team are yet to decide who will drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg, partly because their next move will also position them for Audi’s arrival in 2026. One name that has barely been mentioned as a contender is that of Sebastian Vettel, but whispers have emerged about the 4-time Champion being open to a return.
Sebastian Vettel to Audi? Mattia Binotto responds to speculation
Audi keep options open
Helmut Marko, who is no stranger to controversial and provocative statements, first suggested that Vettel could make a return to F1 during the summer break.
The senior Red Bull advisor told oe24 that the German driver is open to racing on the grid once again. With no seats available at the top teams, Marko suggested Audi as the most realistic option.
On paper, there is plenty of reason for Audi to pursue the 4-time Champion. As a German manufacturer, they would obviously benefit from the presence of a German icon of the sport like Vettel joining their project.
However, it cannot be said there have been indications that negotiations are even taking place.
When asked about the possibility of this blockbuster move at the Italian GP, Audi CTO Mattia Binotto gave this response:
“I love Sebastian – I know him very well from the past, and I appreciate working with him,” he told Sky – per Sport.de.
“I know how strong he is as a person and as a driver.
“I’ve only been here for a few weeks. I have to understand everything first, look around, listen, and at some point, we will have to make a decision.
“And that has to be the right decision for Audi. Not just for 2025, but also for the future.”
Sebastian Vettel move unlikely, but nothing is certain
It must be emphasised that reports of Vettel returning to the grid are few and far between. Suggestions of the 37-year-old joining the field have been speculative at best, especially in regards to an Audi move.
Bottas and Bortoleto, as previously reported by LWOS, are the two favourites to join the Swiss-based outfit. In the case of both drivers, negotiations about a 2025 deal are already well underway.
Moreover, with Hulkenberg already on a multi-year deal, it is understood that Sauber are open to signing a young driver alongside him.
Someone like 19-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto is a very interesting option for the team, especially for the long term. Mattia Binotto was spotted talking with the Brazilian after his victory in F2’s Monza Feature Race.
Whether Sebastian Vettel is even interested in returning to the grid remains uncertain. Whilst Helmut Marko obviously has a long-standing relationship with the German, it is unclear how enthusiastic Vettel is about making a comeback.
Even assuming that he wants to race in F1 once more, he would surely want a car capable of fighting at the front. At least in the short term, there is no guarantee that Audi could offer him this.
Still, as Sauber continue to deliberate on their 2025 line-up, speculation will persist about the candidates under consideration.
