Audi has made a controversial decision for its 2025 Formula 1 entry, choosing young talent Gabriel Bortoleto over experienced driver Mick Schumacher.
The German automaker, which is set to take over the Sauber team, has opted for a blend of youth and experience, with Bortoleto partnering Nico Hulkenberg.
While many speculated that Schumacher would be a strong contender for the second Sauber seat, particularly after his impressive performance in Formula 2, Audi ultimately decided against the move. Mattia Binotto, Audi’s Chief Operating Officer, revealed that talks with Schumacher did take place, but the team ultimately felt that Bortoleto was the better fit.
This decision has sparked debate within the F1 community, with some questioning whether Schumacher would have been better off staying in Formula 2 or exploring other racing series. Former F1 driver Christian Danner suggested that IndyCar could be a viable option for the German, providing a different challenge and a potential path back to Formula 1 in the future.
As Audi embarks on its new F1 journey, it remains to be seen whether their decision to prioritize youth over experience will pay off. While Bortoleto is undoubtedly a talented driver, the pressure will be on him to deliver results and justify Audi’s faith in him.