F1 driver market development as Audi boss meets Mick Schumacher in Texas paddock | F1

Mick Schumacher’s hope of making a comeback to the F1 grid next season is still alive.

There is a slim chance that Schumacher could secure the final available seat before the full 2025 F1 driver line-up is finalized.

Sauber has not yet made a decision on who will partner Nico Hulkenberg, their signing from Haas, in the other car.

Valtteri Bottas remains optimistic about retaining his spot.

However, Schumacher was seen in discussions with Mattia Binotto, the Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer of Audi, at the F1 United States Grand Prix.

“I informed him that nothing has been finalized yet,” Binotto told Sky Germany.

Binotto confirmed that Schumacher is being considered.

“But I am unable to disclose more details at this time,” he stated.

Former Ferrari team principal Binotto has a good relationship with Schumacher. Schumacher raced for Haas for two seasons, with Ferrari engines.

“I believe we have a good understanding,” Binotto mentioned.

“The decision needs to be logical, not emotional.”

Binotto’s team will compete as Sauber in 2025 before transitioning to Audi in 2026 with the new engine rules.

Audi, a major German automaker, has already signed German driver Hulkenberg.

Including Schumacher – the son of F1 and German icon Michael Schumacher – would raise the profile of their project further.

Nevertheless, current driver Bottas is confident about maintaining his position.

Bottas stated to Motorsport Week in Texas: “We are awaiting the final decisions. I think that question is more for Mattia to answer than me.

“We have been in contact on a weekly basis, and I know the terms that I am being considered for; I am just waiting for the go-ahead.”