Audi team boss, Mattia Binotto admits that the German outfit is evaluating Mick Schumacher for a potential 2025 return to the F1 grid.

Currently looking set to take the wooden spoon after failing to score a single point, Sauber is looking to make a significant improvement next season before the rules overhaul of 2026 when the Hinwil-based outfit morphs into Audi.

Though it has signed Nico Hulkenberg on a multi-year deal there is no news on who will be his teammate, and while it may well opt to stick with Valtteri Bottas, Williams has been pushing for the Swiss team to sign Franco Colapinto, while F2 star Gabriel Bortoleto is also said to be in the frame.

Dropped by Haas at the end of 2022, Mick Schumacher was subsequently snapped up by Mercedes as its test and reserve driver alongside outings as part of Alpine's endurance squad.

Binotto, who worked with Schumacher when the youngster was a Ferrari junior, admits that the German is under consideration.

"We can afford the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided their line-ups," the Italian told Corriere della Sera. "There are two essential options," he continued, "on the one hand, experience to set us on the growth path. On the other is a young, talented driver who can accompany us on the path to the top."

"We are definitely evaluating him," Binotto admitted when asked about Schumacher. "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 advantages. He is one of the names we have in mind.

"We are at the beginning of the climb," admitted the Italian as the team looks to go out on a high before taking on a whole new identity. "In front of us, there is Everest, and now we can only see the base.

"We are deciding which side to climb, but it is important to establish a path," he added. "If we compare ourselves with our opponents, we have about 400 fewer people. We need to add to them to be able to compete at the same level. They cannot be found in two days, and not necessarily in F1. Our choice is to invest in young people."

The Italian is keen to play down initial expectations of Audi, pointing to the examples of Ferrari and Mercedes.

"Other teams have taken years to get to the top," he said. "Jean Todt joined Maranello in 1993 and the first constructors' title was in 1999.

"Same thing for Mercedes. It will take five to seven years. We expect to be able to fight in 2030."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by trackrecords, 16/10/2024 18:51

"Both Ralf and Mick are relying on their brother/father's reputation. There's plenty of talented drivers in the world without persisting with Schumachers. Give Ben Barnicoat a test - he's doing well-enough in sportscars."

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2. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 16/10/2024 14:02

"Ricciardo is bad luck. He is toxic at this point. Leaving one team for next is not the guy you want in the driver's seat. The have experience with Hulkenberg, now they need a young future talent to roll the dice on.

Someone who will grow at their direction. Someone who is not set in their ways. "

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3. Posted by RP, 14/10/2024 15:36

"Mick has a track record and it's not good. Colapinto has proven himself competitive in a not so great car. If he is available, why would you not pick him. The suggestion about Riccardio really isn't bad. He has experience with a top team and a "not so top" (terrible) team. Those involved in switching to a factory team can really understand the contributions experience can bring. Mercedez certainly picked a new guy over Mick. That says an awful lot."

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4. Posted by Chester, 14/10/2024 14:20

"Audi really wants to be a backmarker and spend lots on chassis repair, it seems."

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5. Posted by Burton, 14/10/2024 12:05

"I'd rather sign Mansell or Montoya than Mid...sorry, Mick."

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6. Posted by kenji, 14/10/2024 10:56

"I would consider approaching Ricciardo for a possible two year contract with year one being a consultative heavy contract and '26 a shakedown year. That would be a sensible approach that could speed the adaptation far easier."

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7. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 14/10/2024 8:52

"If Audi think the answer is Mick to partner Nico then they are already in trouble. "

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8. Posted by Max Noble, 14/10/2024 8:10

"If Audi want to evaluate me I’ll drive for travel expenses, and food. Happy to have a zero salary. No promise that I’ll finish in the points… Oh… half the grid already finish out the points…"

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