With two seats left in the driver market for the Formula 1 2025 season, there has been a wave of rumours and speculation about who could occupy them. However, one team that has been the hot topic of who could join their team in 2025 is Mick Schumacher.
Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, has been linked to the Green and Black team of Kick Sauber to partner up alongside their newly signed driver, Nico Hülkenberg. But who by? None other than the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer for Audi, Mattia Binotto.
But two questions emerge: Why has Binotto taken an interest in Schumacher? And could this potential interest in the German driver bear fruit? Let’s find out…
Why is Mattia Binotto Interested in Mick Schumacher?
Mattia Binotto, the head of the Audi Formula 1 team that will appear on the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season, has vocally put the former Haas driver in contention to be signed by the Kick Sauber team for the 2025 season.
Current speculation as to whom would occupy the second seat alongside Nico Hülkenberg was current Kick Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas. However, Binotto confirms that Schumacher is also in contention.
Asked by Corriere Della Sera if Mick Schumacher was an option, Mattia addressed the question with honesty, stating:
“Definitely, we are evaluating it. I met him and spoke to him, I have known him for a long time having been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. I know his strengths and weaknesses; he is one of the names we have in mind.”
While Binotto has identified Mick as a potential driver, there is only confirmation that Valtteri Bottas is at the top of the contention list. But now that Mick has appeared within the pool of drivers for contention, have Bottas’ chances taken a brutal blow?
Is Mick Schumacher Secretly at the Top of the List?
Mattia has confirmed that he built a strong relationship with Mick when they were both part of the Ferrari team. But this does suggest that the former Ferrari Team Principal wants to reignite his ambition to become a competitive team with Audi by taking onboard Mick Schumacher over Valtteri Bottas.
It isn’t easy to interpret as Bottas brings racing-winning experience to the team as the Finnish driver has achieved 10 race victories so far in his career. However, with Mick, who has only two years in Formula 1, especially in a team that has been fighting to get out of last place, it is a difficult decision for Binotto to put the pen and paper together.
However, what gives Mick the advantage over Bottas is marketing and potential.
Mick Schumacher Can Win Over the Rumours
A German team coupled with two German drivers has key marketing benefits. The focal point is that it can promote Audi as a popular team amongst the fans through Sponsorship Appeal.
Local brands will likely feel a stronger connection to a team with a distinct German identity. This connection can open the door to more sponsorship opportunities, providing the crucial financial backing that fuels competitiveness on the track. When local companies see their values reflected in the team, it creates a partnership that benefits everyone involved.
For example, the personal sponsor for Nico Hülkenberg is a brand called Hahnair, a charter airline and premier distribution partner for airlines worldwide based in Dreieich, Germany. Mick Schumacher’s main sponsor is Deutsche Vermögensberatung, a financial service company based in Frankfurt, Germany. Which also sponsored the Schumacher name when his father, Michael Schumacher, was racing for Ferrari.
Thus, creating a partnership between a German team and a German driver, as well as sponsors can benefit the broader motorsport ecosystem in Germany, enhancing the country’s reputation as a motorsport powerhouse.
Overall
While Mattia Binotto has been more vocal about having Mick Schumacher as a candidate to partner up alongside Nico Hülkenberg, this does have a lot more meaning and depth. This is because Bottas’ future within KICK remains unknown and hasn’t been drawn upon by Binotto himself.
Apart from the Sky Sports F1 pundit team, which was adamant during the Belgium Grand Prix weekend that Bottas would retain his seat for next year, a 25-year-old who has the name of one of the sport’s most beloved and competitive drivers in Formula 1 is in the mix, creating a shake-up.
The Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer of Audi being more public with the current Mercedes and McLaren reserve driver does suggest that a favourite has already been picked. But while Bottas remains more of a fan favourite than the son of Michael Schumacher, Mick is younger and hungrier to prove himself behind the seat of a Formula 1 car, not just remain within the realm of Formula 1 as a reserve driver.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Mercedes Looking to Replace George Russell for 2026?” or “Ricciardo to Leave Immediately for Lawson!”
