2025 Formula One Drivers' Market: Sauber's Potential Lineup and Audi Takeover Impact
Image Credit: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
The 2025 Formula One drivers' market seems to be falling into place as of late. Drivers like Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon have decided where their homes will be next year. The teams looking for drivers had a lot of great options to choose from because there was an abundance of talent available to sign. However, one team that has yet to announce its completed driver lineup for 2025 is Sauber. The Swiss team could be an attractive option for drivers on the market because it will be taken over by Audi in 2026. There is still a lot of talent for the team to choose from.
Liam Lawson
The New Zealander is the first name that comes to mind when thinking about a driver who deserves a seat in the pinnacle of motorsport. Liam Lawson has been in the Red Bull family for many years but has yet to get a full-time drive in F1. He filled in for a couple of races last year when Daniel Ricciardo injured his wrist. The young driver impressed as he put in some solid drives, including a Q3 appearance in Singapore. At the start of the year, it looked like Lawson would get a team RB seat in 2025. Yet, as the season progresses, he seems less likely to be given the opportunity. This would leave Sauber the chance to secure a future star in the car, where they can build him up with the team. Lawson has done everything he needs to show he has what it takes to compete with the best. If Red Bull doesn't give him the opportunity he deserves, the driver from New Zealand would surely snap up the chance to join Sauber.
Mick Schumacher
Mick Schumacher was under pressure during his first couple of years in F1. The former Formula 2 champion showed glimpses of speed but was often too inconsistent. The German suffered a lot of crashes, which was difficult for a team like Haas because it costs a lot to repair a car. He has spent his time away as a reserve driver for Mercedes, where he most likely learned a lot. In terms of his racing, Schumacher has competed in the WEC. Many people believe Schumacher deserves another crack in F1 because he showed his potential but wasn't given enough time to develop his craft. What makes the potential move to Sauber interesting is that Mattia Binotto will join the team. Of course, the two have a relationship, as Binotto is the former team principal of Ferrari, and Schumacher was in the driver program. It is safe to say that the team will be aware of his abilities.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas is a very experienced driver who knows what winning races and constructors' championships is like. The Finnish driver has had a successful career in F1, which has seen him secure ten race wins and 67 podiums. He has been part of the Sauber team since 2022, and Bottas has been under the radar ever since. The former race winner has been doing the best with the car he has got. However, Bottas can do the job if the correct machinery is used. Now that Sauber and Audi's options are running out, Bottas could be the perfect option to partner with Nico Hülkenberg next season and beyond. Bottas is a capable driver with a lot left in the tank.
Sauber will be an exciting team in the future because, with the Audi takeover, they have the potential to do many great things.
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