Why Valtteri Bottas is the Clear Choice for Audi’s 2025 F1 Line-Up Amidst Limited Options and Rising Stars

Why Audi's Selection for Their 2025 F1 Driver Should Be Clear

Audi has not finalized their driver roster for the 2025 Formula 1 season, but there is one standout option that they should strongly consider.

Only three positions on the grid remain available during the 2024 summer break of the Formula 1 season.

It appears that Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to take over Lewis Hamilton's spot at Mercedes, unless Max Verstappen unexpectedly decides to depart from Red Bull.

Jack Doohan is considered the leading candidate to take over Esteban Ocon's position at Alpine for the upcoming year, which would result in one available seat at Sauber/Audi.

Audi failed to secure their primary choice as Carlos Sainz decided to sign with Williams, and they faced the same outcome with Esteban Ocon, who chose to join Haas.

This puts the team in a difficult spot as they choose a partner for Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 F1 season.

Speculation has been circulating about Sauber's drivers, with reports indicating that top executives are interested in completely overhauling the team by replacing both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.

With Mattia Binotto taking over the management, things could potentially shift.

The clear option

Although it might not be the most thrilling option for some, Bottas is undoubtedly the clear choice for Sauber in 2025.

Although Valtteri Bottas did not score any points in the first 14 races, one could argue that 2024 has been his best season since moving from Mercedes.

Bottas has outqualified his teammate Zhou in 13 out of 14 sessions, with their average time difference ranging from 0.4 to 0.5 seconds.

The way the Finnish driver outperforms Zhou is comparable to Max Verstappen's superiority over Sergio Perez, and Alex Albon's advantage over Logan Sargeant.

From a statistical perspective, Zhou has performed more strongly in the races, with Bottas holding a narrow lead of 9-5. However, unusual strategy decisions and pit stop issues affecting both drivers complicate a fair assessment of their race day performances.

Bottas is currently ranked 21st in the drivers' championship standings. Being 21st out of 20 drivers doesn't reflect well, although it hasn't really been his responsibility.

He was competing for points in both Australia and China, but issues with pit stops and reliability issues caused him to drop out of the race for points.

Bottas continues to demonstrate his speed, forming a fast and dependable duo with Hulkenberg in the midfield.

Considering that Sauber has the slowest team in the 2024 F1 season, having both Bottas and Hulkenberg as drivers is beyond what they merit.

Few alternatives

Sauber’s refusals from drivers such as Sainz and Ocon leave them with few choices.

Considering the existing lineup, Zhou and Kevin Magnussen would be quite disappointing, especially for a factory team like Audi.

The circumstances surrounding Red Bull are quite intriguing.

If Perez had been let go in the middle of the season, he very likely could have ended up back in Hinwil.

It’s important to remember that before Perez joined Red Bull, he was known as the ‘king of the midfield’. His support from Mexico continues to make him a desirable choice, even though he hasn’t performed well against Verstappen.

Liam Lawson or Daniel Ricciardo might be options for Sauber next year, contingent on the developments with Perez's situation.

Although neither driver would outperform Bottas in terms of sheer capability, bringing one of them on board could revitalize the team if that’s the desired outcome.

Unexpected contender

According to an initial report by Formul1a.uno, F2 standout Gabriel Bortoleto has surprisingly entered the race as a potential candidate.

The Brazilian, who is 19 years old, became a member of McLaren’s driver roster after enrolling in their development program in 2023.

In his debut season in Formula 2, Bortoleto has excelled and now holds the second position in the rankings, trailing only Isack Hadjar, who is supported by Red Bull.

As Bearman, Doohan, and Antonelli are gearing up to enter the lineup in 2025, Sauber could see this as an ideal chance to introduce new talent before significant rule changes come into effect in 2026.

Since Felipe Massa's departure in 2017, there hasn't been a Brazilian driver in Formula 1. Bortoleto could be the one to change that and capture the enthusiasm of a market eager for a new motorsport hero.

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