Mick Schumacher is emerging as a potential candidate for a seat at the Audi-owned Sauber team, which could be his last opportunity to return to Formula 1. After serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes for the past two seasons, Schumacher lost his seat at Haas at the end of 2022. Following his stint in the World Endurance Championship, he had hoped for a spot at Alpine, but the team opted for rookie Jack Doohan instead. Mick is the son of legendary racer Michael Schumacher.
With that opportunity closed off, Schumacher's chances for a comeback appeared slim. However, Audi's new chief, Mattia Binotto, has reportedly begun considering him for 2025. The team is still looking for a partner for Nico Hulkenberg, with previous candidates including current driver Valtteri Bottas and F2 star Gabriel Bortoleto.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Binotto stated that the team is not in a hurry to finalize its driver lineup. "We can afford the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided their line-ups,” he remarked. He emphasized that they have two main 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."
When asked specifically about Schumacher, whom Binotto knows from his time at Ferrari, he said, "We are definitely evaluating him. 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."
Binotto stated the importance of long-term planning for the Audi project. "We are at the beginning of the climb. 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. 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," Audi's new chief added.
When pressed on the timeframe for Audi to achieve success in F1, he added, “Other teams have taken years to get to the top. [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.”
