Binotto confirms Schumacher option for Audi F1 seat

Audi chief operating officer and chief technical officer Mattia Binotto has confirmed Mick Schumacher is still an option for the team.

Audi will join the grid in 2026 and take over the Sauber-run outfit currently operating under the Stake F1 moniker.

It has already signed up Nico Hulkenberg on a multi-year deal from next season but has yet to announce who will compete alongside the German driver.

Valtteri Bottas, Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto have all been listed as potential options - but now Binotto has confirmed Schumacher is in the running for the driver.

“Definitely, we are evaluating him,” Binotto told Corriere della sera. 

“I've met him and spoken to him, I've known him for a long time having been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. 

“I know the merits and advantages of him, he's one of the names we have in mind'.”

Audi enjoying F1 driver 'luxury'

The open Stake seat is one of two seats that has not yet been confirmed for next year, with RB also yet to decide on its complete driver line-up.

With the eight other teams teams already making their decisions, Binotto asserted it is in no rush to decide on its second driver.

“We have the luxury of not being in a hurry, as all the other teams have decided on their line-up,” he said. 

“There are two essential aspects: on the one hand, experience to set the course for growth. 

“On the other, a young, talented player to accompany us on the path to the top.”