Although RB haven’t confirmed who will join Yuki Tsunoda yet, Liam Lawson’s promotion to a race seat for the United States Grand Prix is a key indication of the direction that Red Bull want to go in.
That leaves Sauber as the only team who haven’t confirmed both of their drivers for next season.
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Nico Hulkenberg’s move from Haas was confirmed nearly six months ago, but since then a conveyor belt of drivers have been linked with signing for the team who will become Audi in 2026, only to be ruled out or accept a deal elsewhere.
Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon were both on Sauber’s radar for next year but instead took up positions with Williams and Haas respectively.
A shortlist of four drivers appear to be in contention to join Hulkenberg in 2025.
Valtteri Bottas is seen as the favourite given his experience and the fact that he’s already racing for Sauber.
However, Bottas’s wage demands are causing problems, opening the door to three other drivers.
A report from Blick, however, suggests two of those drivers might be out of the equation.
Gabriel Bortoleto has held talks with Mattia Binottoafter taking the lead in the Formula 2 championship, while Franco Colapinto has starred on his unexpected promotion to the F1 grid with Wiliams.
However, it’s said that both drivers are very unlikely to be signed for 2025, which could open the door for the last name on the shortlist: Mick Schumacher.
