Apart from the two Red Bull-affiliated teams, whose recent changes and reshuffles have left the 2025 driver lineup uncertain, Sauber is the only team with an open seat for next season.

The team is undergoing a major transition as it prepares for Audi's takeover in 2026. As part of this plan, they have already signed experienced German driver Nico Hulkenberg but have yet to decide on who will fill the second seat.

Recently, Red Bull motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, voiced his confusion over rumors that Sauber opted to extend Valtteri Bottas' contract rather than sign Mick Schumacher, urging the team to reconsider that choice.

The German has served as a reserve driver for Mercedes for the last two seasons after losing his seat at Haas at the end of 2022.

He was hoping to get the Alpine seat next year after racing for the French team in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he helped them finish third at the 6 Hours of Fuji. However, the team decided to go with rookie Jack Doohan instead.

Newly-appointed Sauber Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer, Mattia Binotto, said the team hasn't decided what to do yet and doesn’t feel the need to rush into a decision.

"We can afford the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided their line-ups,”  he said for Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

“There are two essential options: 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.”

When asked directly about Schumacher, Binotto responded: “We are definitely evaluating him.

“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.”

Schumacher recently stated that his main priority is to make a comeback to F1, but he also recognizes the importance of having a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected.