Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has expressed strong views on Sauber’s decision-making process for their 2025 Formula 1 line-up, arguing that it would be “incomprehensible” for the team to choose Valtteri Bottas over Mick Schumacher.
Sauber, which will transform into the Audi works team by 2026, has the last vacant seat outside Red Bull’s driver stable. With Nico Hülkenberg confirmed for one seat, the team faces a choice between another experienced driver or taking a chance on a younger talent. The decision is drawing attention as Schumacher, currently a Mercedes reserve driver, seeks a return to the F1 grid after being dropped by Haas at the end of 2022.
While names like Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto are being considered for the second Sauber seat, Marko firmly believes that Schumacher deserves another opportunity in the sport, especially as Sauber will have little pressure to perform in the coming season.
Marko told Sport.de, “I think Audi’s car will definitely not be a winning car next year. That means there will be no pressure for Audi or its drivers. It would be a good comparison with Nico Hülkenberg. If the performance is not right, you can always replace him for 2026.”
Rumors suggest that Sauber is leaning toward offering Bottas a short-term extension, but Marko contends that opting for the Finn over Schumacher would be a missed opportunity. Bottas, who joined Sauber after leaving Mercedes in 2021, has struggled to find form in recent seasons.
Marko was clear in his criticism, stating, “If the situation is really that Valtteri Bottas gets the chance, then the whole thing is even more incomprehensible to me.”
Schumacher, who has found a foothold in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine while serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver, could see his hopes of returning to F1 fade if he misses out on the Sauber seat. Marko believes this might be Schumacher’s last chance for a full-time return to F1.
“I think the Formula 1 story is really over for Schumacher if he doesn’t get that Audi seat,” Marko added. “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.”
Despite the uncertainty, Schumacher remains hopeful, stating in an interview with Autosport, “Whatever happens for the future, will be decided at some point still this year, hopefully. But definitely the hope is for Formula 1, because that is what I dreamt of since I was a little boy, but it definitely feels great to be in WEC.”
With Sauber’s decision looming, Schumacher’s future in Formula 1 hangs in the balance.
