Sainz, Hulkenberg or a young driver for Sauber and Audi?

When do Sauber drivers' contracts expire?

Valtteri Bottas is still with Sauber until 2025. The other seat belongs to Guanyu Zhou in 2024, but it is no secret that Sauber is looking at other options. There have even been talks with Nico Hulkenberg, but Guenther Steiner put a stop to that by extending his contract with the clause in the contract.

Besides the two full-time drivers, Sauber also has The Pourchaire under contract as a reserve driver in 2024. The 2023 Formula 2 champion hopes to still have a shot at a seat in F1 via Super Formula in 2024. To do so, he will have to convince the leadership in the Japanese championship, as well as in his role as a reserve.

Who stands a chance of getting the seat at Sauber in 2025

Hulkenberg may well be back in the picture for 2025 at Sauber. Although the team is currently still called Sauber and Audi does not want their name on the car, it is clear that Audi already have some say in the team's future. For Audi, it is interesting to have a German driver in the team and Hulkenberg is an experienced driver who can steer the team. With Bottas and Hulkenberg, though, you would have a particularly old line-up in 2025.

Theo Pourchaire is also Sauber's reserve driver in 2024 and is aiming to compete in Super Formula. There, he will have to prove to Sauber that he is ready for his debut in F1. The F2 title proved not enough for Sauber to give him a seat, a title in Super Formula would perhaps be more impressive, especially if he manages it in his first year.

Sauber could also be a great place for other talents. Ferrari is still supplying engines to Sauber until 2025 and has a great talent with Oliver Bearman. Although the deal with Sauber ends after 2025, Sauber does have the most competitive seat Ferrari can offer the British talent.

Could Sainz still make the switch to Audi?

And other name frequently linked to Sauber is that of Carlos Sainz. Carlos Sainz senior competes for Audi's team at Dakar and Junior has ambitions to become the front-runner at a team. By now it is clear to Sainz and his management that he is not going to be that at Ferrari. Despite Sainz driving a very strong year, it is Charles Leclerc who has been offered a multi-year deal at a higher fee, and Sainz would have to make do with a one-year deal.

A front-runner role with an up-and-coming team like Audi is attractive to Sainz. The only downside is the fact that Audi will not enter F1 until 2026. By then, Sainz will be 31 years old and there is little chance of Audi being the immediate favourite for the title in year one. Currently, Sauber are also the ninth team on the grid, a big step down for Sainz. The ideal figurehead for Audi, so the question is whether Sainz is prepared to make such a big gamble at this point in his career.

A big plus for Sainz though are the familiar names within the team. Andreas Seidl was already brought in as Sauber's CEO, having previously worked with Sainz as McLaren's team boss. Seidl also brought in an old acquaintance as technical director. Indeed, after leaving McLaren, James Key is now serving as Sauber's technical director. Two names with whom Sainz has worked successfully at McLaren.