Mattia Binotto on the second Audi seat: “Many drivers on the list”

Who will be the second Sauber/Audi driver for the 2025 season and beyond? After having already announced Nico Hulkenberg and having seen Carlos Sainz et Esteban Ocon, potential leads, moving towards other horizons (respectively at Williams et Haas), the team is still looking. Many names have been circulating in recent weeks, young people without experience of the F1 in the race as Theo Pourchaire, Gabriel Bortoleto, Zane Maloney, Robert Shwartzman to double champion IndyCar Álex Palou through the current residents of the team based in Hinwil (Switzerland) what are Guanyu-Zhou et Valtteri Bottas.

In comments relayed by the official Formula 1 website, Mattia Binotto, head of operations for the Audi F1 Team program, confirmed talks with the 35-year-old Finn since August 28. I have already had discussions with him, Italian abounds. It's a good first impression, but, having said that, there are a lot of drivers on the list and we, as Audi, have to take our time to evaluate what is best. I hope we can come to a decision soon. »

Although he admits that it is " a priority ", the former head of the Team Ferrari does not want to rush into things. Why do I say there is no rush? We now have a list of available drivers and we can certainly take our time to discuss with each of them, listen to them and make the best choice for Sauber and Audi. Our journey is looking forward to the years to come, not just 2025. Therefore, when we evaluate our options, we have to look at what is best, knowing what we have to achieve in the future. »

One of the questions for Mattia Binotto and his team is whether it is better to turn to a young rookie or to a more experienced driver? Ultimately, it's a matter of compromise, answers the man from Lausanne (Switzerland). The ideal would be to have a very talented and experienced rookie, but that doesn't go together. So you have to make a decision that is a compromise between the demands and the necessities. It's not such a difficult decision to make. We just have to make sure that we are fully convinced of what we are doing. Getting along well with the driver is also very important, because it's not just about being behind the wheel, but also about being together, guiding and supporting a project. »

Valtteri Bottas' experience could therefore work in his favour, but nothing seems to be decided yet for this second steering wheel at Audi.

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