Mick Schumacher still hopes for a starting place next season. © APA / MARK SUTTON

Audi's Formula 1 boss: Meeting with Mick Schumacher

The decision regarding the vacant Formula 1 place next year at the designated Audi racing team has not yet been made – Mick Schumacher will also have to be patient.

19 October 2024

From: dpa

On the sidelines of the US Grand Prix, Audi's project manager Mattia Binotto met with the 25-year-old German in Austin. "I told him that nothing has been decided yet," the Italian reported to the pay-TV channel Sky.

As in previous interviews, Binotto confirmed that Mick Schumacher is on the list, "but I can't say anything more at the moment." The only thing that is clear so far is that next year, when the team will still compete as the Sauber racing team, Nico Hülkenberg will get one of the two places. The 37-year-old Rhinelander will then come from Haas, where he ironically replaced Mick Schumacher two years ago.

Mattia Binotto is in charge of Kick Sauber, now Audi. © APA / JARED C. TILTON

Binotto makes it clear: “It has to be a decision of the mind”
This season, the Chinese Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas are driving for Sauber. The 35-year-old Finn believes he has a good chance of staying, but is still waiting for a decision. Young drivers are also expected to be in the running, with Franco Colapinto among others being speculated. The 21-year-old Argentinian is currently driving for Williams, but will have to vacate the cockpit for Carlos Sainz from Ferrari after the season.

Decision is slow to arrive

Binotto once again stressed that he knew Mick Schumacher well from his time at Ferrari. When he was team boss there, the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher was part of the Ferrari junior academy. "I think we get on very well," said Binotto, adding: "It has to be a decision of the mind, not an emotional decision."