Audi ‘definitely evaluating’ Schumacher – Binotto

All isn’t lost for Mick Schumacher regarding his potential future in F1 as Audi-Sauber has revealed that it has included the young German among its shortlist of contenders for 2025.

Schumacher’s future in the sport turned bleak following his departure from Haas at the end of the 2022 F1 season after a troubled two-year stint with the US outfit.

A subsequent reserve role with Mercedes has allowed the 25-year-old to keep a foot in the door of F1, but Schumacher’s name has rarely been linked to a full-time drive with another team, save for Alpine where he lost out to the team’s in-house junior Jack Doohan.

However, Audi-Sauber’s new team boss, Mattia Binotto, has disclosed that Schumacher is under serious consideration for a race seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg in 2025.

The Swiss outfit, which is preparing for its transition to full Audi ownership by 2026, is still weighing its options, with incumbent Valtteri Bottas and F2 frontrunner Gabriel Bortoleto generally regarded as the leading candidates to fill the Hinwil squad’s final slot.

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However, Binotto – who took the reins of Audi’s F1 project over the summer – says they are in no rush to make a decision.

"We can afford the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided their line-ups,” commented the Italian in an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera.

“There are two essential options: 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.”

Asked specifically about Schumacher, Binotto acknowledged that the former Ferrari junior, whom he knows well from their time together at Maranello, is being seriously evaluated.

"We are definitely evaluating him," he confirmed. "I met him and spoke to him. 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."

For Schumacher, this Audi opportunity would likely represent a pivotal moment in his career.

After spending time competing in the World Endurance Championship and keeping his skills sharp as a reserve driver with Mercedes, he may be on the verge of a comeback in a rapidly evolving team.

Binotto stressed that Audi’s long-term vision is crucial as the team embarks on a challenging journey to become a top-tier competitor in F1.

"We are at the beginning of the climb," he said. "In front of us, there is Everest, and now we can only see the base. We are deciding which side to climb, but it is important to establish a path."

“We are deciding which side to climb, but it is important to establish a path. If we compare ourselves with our opponents, we have about 400 fewer people.

“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."

Binotto is aware that bringing Audi to the forefront of F1 will take time, drawing comparisons to Ferrari’s and Mercedes’ gradual rise to the top.

"Other teams have taken years to get to the top," he said. "[Jean] Todt joined Maranello in 1993 and the first constructors' title was in 1999. Same thing for Mercedes. It will take five to seven years. We expect to be able to fight in 2030."

With Schumacher back in the conversation, the Audi-Sauber team faces a critical decision as it balances the desire for experience with its long-term investment in young talent.

For Mick Schumacher, this could be the lifeline he’s been waiting for—a chance to return to the F1 grid and carve out his place in the sport’s future.

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