Sauber’s 2025 Driver Dilemma: Bottas, Rookies, and the Road to Audi

Sauber outlines requirements for 2025 driver roster, revealing potential choices

Will Sauber continue with Valtteri Bottas or seek a different driver?

Mattia Binotto has outlined the requirements for Sauber's driver in 2025, and the potential candidates have been disclosed.

Just two spots are left to be filled for the 2025 F1 driver roster, with one vacancy at Sauber and the other at RB.

Sauber has secured a deal with Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg but is contemplating whether to retain one of their current drivers, Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu, or to introduce a newcomer to the team.

According to F1.com, discussions are reportedly taking place regarding Gabriel Bortoleto, who is competing for the F2 championship, with McLaren.

According to the report, it is thought that they have had discussions with Ferrari concerning Robert Shwartzman.

Sauber had Shwartzman participate in the first practice session at Zandvoort, complying with the regulations for young drivers.

Zane Maloney and Theo Pourchaire are potential candidates from Sauber's development program.

However, F1 veteran Bottas, whose career faces the threat of an early conclusion, has received some positive news.

According to F1.com, sources indicate that the team is favoring experience, with Bottas being the top candidate for selection.

Sauber's Criteria for Drivers

Before Binotto, the former Ferrari team principal, assumed his role as the new Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer, a list of potential drivers had already been compiled.

Binotto will manage the shift to Audi in 2026 as the new Formula 1 regulations take effect.

“We are planning for the future, aiming beyond just 2025,” he mentioned to F1.com when discussing his selection of drivers.

"When evaluating our options, we must consider what will best help us meet our future goals."

"Valtteri is performing admirably, and I've already had some conversations with him. The initial impression is positive, but it's important to note that there are numerous drivers under consideration. As Audi, we need to carefully evaluate our options to determine the best choice. We aim to make a decision soon."

Binotto explained his standards: "Ultimately, the decision involves finding a middle ground.

"In a perfect world, you'd want a newcomer who is both highly skilled and seasoned, but that's unrealistic. Therefore, you must make a decision that balances the needs and priorities."

“I believe the decision isn’t too challenging after all. What’s important is that we have complete confidence in our actions. It’s essential to stand by your choice.”

Building a good relationship with the driver is crucial, not just for the driving aspect, but also for collaborating effectively, guiding, and backing a project.

"It's not just about a driver being in their car and racing around the track; it also involves contributing to the team's efforts at the factory and providing support."

In response, Bottas has made it clear that he requires a contract spanning multiple years. He has expressed that a single-year agreement does not appeal to him.

This year, Sauber is the only team in Formula 1 that has failed to earn any points.

Bottas and Zhou remain at the bottom of the drivers' rankings, both having failed to score any points.

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