Valtteri Bottas believes that Mattia Binotto’s new role as Sauber’s team boss will “reset” discussions about the team’s remaining 2025 Formula 1 seat, also affecting broader driver market negotiations.
Binotto’s appointment to helm the Sauber/Audi project, effective August 1st, involves direct reporting to the Audi board, a precursor to the team’s rebranding. His first major task will be deciding who will partner Nico Hulkenberg next year.
Carlos Sainz, the soon-to-be former Ferrari driver, has so far been the prime candidate for the Sauber/Audi seat. However, Sainz has neither accepted nor declined the offer, as he awaits potential openings at Red Bull or Mercedes for 2025. Sainz is also considering a late offer from Alpine, which has led Williams to cool its interest in him.
Binotto might delay decisions for Sauber/Audi due to his past experience at Ferrari, where he hired Sainz to replace Sebastian Vettel in 2021. This connection may influence Sainz’s feelings toward the Sauber/Audi project, although the team’s performance downturn in 2024 and long turnaround times could deter him.
During a press conference at the Belgian Grand Prix, Sainz praised Binotto’s experience and potential impact on Audi, though he remained non-committal about whether this would influence his own decision. “My future is still being discussed and obviously analyzed very carefully,” he said. “There are changes to many teams that I’m looking at for next year pretty much every week.”
Bottas expressed that Binotto’s arrival will “reset” discussions because previous communications were with former Sauber executives Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann. “We need to speak,” Bottas stated, suggesting that the decision-making process would need adjustment.
Bottas emphasized that the 2025 driver market hinges significantly on Sainz’s move. Despite this, he noted that progress might be made even without a definitive announcement from Sainz. Bottas has engaged in talks with Williams, while Mercedes is reportedly considering Andrea Kimi Antonelli over Sainz, following Antonelli’s strong Formula 2 performance in Hungary.
Meanwhile, Sauber’s other incumbent driver, Zhou Guanyu, faces an uncertain future with the team. Zhou hinted at the changes Binotto’s management might bring, mentioning a “reset” in discussions with the new management team. Zhou, who has been linked to a move to Alpine, noted that Binotto’s influence might change things more than originally planned.
Additionally, the 2025 driver market saw another shift with Esteban Ocon signing with Haas. This, combined with the potential reshuffles involving Sainz and others, highlights the fluid nature of the current driver discussions.
Mattia Binotto’s appointment at Sauber is poised to significantly impact the 2025 Formula 1 driver market. His imminent involvement promises to reshape existing negotiations and could lead to unexpected outcomes across several teams.
