Binotto reveals two surprise options for vacant Audi F1 seat

Newly-appointed Sauber chief operating and chief technical officer Mattia Binotto has revealed that Theo Pourchaire and Gabriel Bortoleto are both options for the vacant Audi seat. 

Binotto is preparing Sauber for its transition to an Audi works team in 2026 when the new power unit regulations are introduced. 

The German manufacturer is set to complete its takeover of the current Stake/Sauber team early next year and a decision over its second driver is still yet to be made. 

Nico Hulkenberg is the only confirmed driver by Stake/Audi for 2025 and 2026, with several names being linked to the vacant spot. 

Current Stake F1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are eager for the seat, while its reserve driver Pourchaire and McLaren's F2 junior driver Bortoleto are other options under consideration.

"Theo is our present reserve driver and is already part of the family, and no doubt that he is on our list," Binotto told media including RacingNews365. 

"Gabriel is doing very well in F2, he has shown to be a great talent. Certainly we are looking to what he is doing as we are looking to many others, I don't see that as the only name in which we are focusing our attention. 

"So there are many names on the list, great potential, great expertise, great experience. Again, it's a matter of you need to judge what's most important for us in the short, medium and long-term. 

"A clear, clear plan, which today I do not have really an answer for."

Audi question

A key decision that Audi must make as it seeks its new driver is evaluating the type of driver it wants to partner Hulkenberg.

The German manufacturer could go down the route of having two experienced drivers, which would favour the likes of Bottas alongside Hulkenberg. 

However, if youth was the preferred choice for the "long-term project", then that would seemingly open the door to Pourchaire and Bortoleto. 

Binotto recognises it is something Audi must decide quickly, so that a second driver can be signed to end all speculation surrounding the seat still available at Stake F1 and Audi for next season and 2026.

"It's certainly something that we need to judge," added Binotto. "So are we going for experience? Or, as I said, it's a project which is looking to a medium, long-term objective. So what's the best for us from now to the final goal? 

"Is it more having short-term experience and then moving to something different? We need to decide. And today, I don't think we are in the position to answer. We are certainly listening to all potential drivers. 

"We are certainly evaluating what's the problem that comes with the best compromise. A matter of fact, at the end, it's a choice, which you put on the balance of all the aspects. I think we will decide as soon as possible, no doubt, because we need to set up the team for next year and for the future. 

"We need to, as well to stop any speculation, because it's not in our interest. But so far, no decision as we don't know what will be best."