Audi interested in Schumacher for 2025 F1 seat

Mick Schumacher's Formula 1 career may not be over yet, as Audi's new chief Mattia Binotto reveals the German driver is under consideration for a 2025 seat with the Audi-owned Sauber team.

Schumacher's F1 journey

After losing his drive with Haas at the end of 2022, Schumacher has spent the past two seasons as Mercedes' reserve driver.

His hopes for an F1 return were dealt a blow when Alpine opted for rookie Jack Doohan to fill their vacancy for the upcoming season, despite Schumacher's involvement in their World Endurance Championship program.

Audi, set to take over the Sauber team, is still searching for a teammate to partner Nico Hulkenberg in 2025.

While Valtteri Bottas and F2 standout Gabriel Bortoleto were previously considered frontrunners, Binotto's recent comments have thrust Schumacher back into the spotlight.

Audi's deliberate approach

Speaking to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Binotto emphasized the team's measured approach to driver selection.

"We can afford the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided their line-ups,"

he stated. The former Ferrari team principal outlined two primary considerations:

"On the one hand, experience to set us on the growth path. On the other is a young, talented driver who can accompany us on the path to the top."

Schumacher in the Frame

When questioned specifically about Schumacher, Binotto confirmed,

"We are definitely evaluating him."

Drawing on his prior experience with the young German during his time at Ferrari, Binotto added,

"I have known him for a long time having been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. I know his strengths and advantages. He is one of the names we have in mind."

Long-term vision

Binotto's comments reflect Audi's strategic approach to their F1 project. Acknowledging the scale of the challenge ahead, he likened it to climbing Everest:

"We are at the beginning of the climb. In front of us there is Everest, and now we can only see the base."

The team faces significant hurdles, including a staffing deficit compared to established competitors.

"If we compare ourselves with our opponents, we have about 400 fewer people,"

Binotto revealed.

"We need to add to them to be able to compete at the same level: they cannot be found in two days, and not necessarily in F1. Our choice is to invest in young people."

When pressed on Audi's expectations for success in F1, Binotto set a realistic timeframe. Drawing parallels with other teams' journeys to the top, he stated,

"It will take five to seven years. We expect to be able to fight in 2030."