Aside from the two Red Bull-linked teams, where recent changes have left the 2025 driver lineup uncertain, Sauber holds the only available seat on next season's grid.

The team is undergoing a major transition as it gears up for Audi’s takeover, scheduled for 2026. In preparation, they have already secured a contract with experienced German driver Nico Hulkenberg.

With Hulkenberg confirmed, only one seat remains, and the decision on their second driver has yet to be announced.

The only clue comes from recent rumors suggesting that Sauber has renewed their contract with current driver Valtteri Bottas.

However, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko cannot understand why Sauber would prefer Valtteri Bottas over Mick Schumacher.

“I think the Audi [Sauber] car will certainly not be a winning car next year,” Marko said in an interview with RTL/ntv and Sport.de.

“That means there would have been no pressure on either Audi or the driver [Schumacher].

“It would be a good comparison with Nico Hulkenberg, and if his performance isn’t right, you can always make a change for 2026.”

The 25-year-old Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher, had two seasons on the grid with Haas in 2021 and 2022 but struggled to leave a lasting impression.

This year, he took on a reserve driver position with Mercedes while also racing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Alpine, where he played a key role in achieving the team's first podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji.

“I don’t know exactly, but if the situation is really that Valtteri Bottas gets the chance, then the whole thing is even more incomprehensible to me,” Marko added.

“I think if Schumacher doesn’t get this seat, then Formula 1 history is over for him.

“Then he should concentrate on the long-distance races, where he was very successful, and do that. If he stays in motorsport, then he has to find something that he enjoys, but where he also has a chance of winning.”

Schumacher has also recently revealed that making a comeback to F1 remains his top priority, but he also acknowledges the need for a plan B in case things don't go as hoped.