Marko: ‘Incomprehensible’ if Sauber favors Bottas over Schumacher

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, chiming in on Audi-Sauber’s driver choice for 2025, says that it would “incomprehensible” for the Swiss outfit to retain incumbent Valtteri Bottas and snub the candidature of Mick Schumacher.

While Sauber has signed up Nico Hulkenberg on a multi-year deal, but the Hinwil squad which will transition into the works Audi team in 2026 has yet to fill its second seat.

Last month, it was reported that McLaren junior and FIA F2 Championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto was the front-runner to secure the team’s second seat, with Williams rookie Franco Colapinto also in the running for the drive, although team boss James Vowles acknowledged that Sauber’s interest was muted.

But in Singapore, a report claimed that Bottas had signed a contract extension with Sauber. The Finn himself was tight-lipped on the rumor but admitted that he was “99% percent sure” to retain his seat.

Schumacher, who has served as Mercedes’ reserve driver since losing his seat with Haas at the end of 2022, is eager to return to F1, but the young German has oddly rarely been mentioned as a candidate for Audi-Sauber’s second seat.

• Read also: Sauber reportedly takes ‘cowardly route’ – re-signs Bottas

Yet Marko believes the 25-year-old is worthy of a second chance, especially given the low-pressure environment in which Sauber will find itself in 2025.

The Austrian’s rationale seems to rest on the fact that Sauber will likely use 2025 as a developmental year in preparation for Audi’s official works entry, making it an ideal opportunity to nurture Schumacher’s growth without immediate pressure for results.

“I think Audi’s car will definitely not be a winning car next year,” Marko told Sport.de. “That means there will be no pressure for Audi or its drivers.

“It would be a good comparison with Nico Hulkenberg. If the performance is not right, you can always replace him for 2026.”

However, Bottas’ extensive experience and steady hand have reportedly made him an appealing option for Sauber's management, but Marko remains unconvinced.

“If the situation is really that Valtteri Bottas gets the chance, then the whole thing is even more incomprehensible to me,” he continued.

Regarding Schumacher, Marko fears that the young German’s career in Formula 1 might be over if he misses out on this opportunity.

“I think the Formula 1 story is really over for Schumacher if he doesn’t get that Audi seat,” he said.

“Then he has to concentrate on the long-distance races in the WEC, where he was already very successful.

“If he wants to stay in motorsport, he has to find something that he likes, but where he also has a chance to win.”

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