Sauber are one of many teams yet to confirm their 2025 driver lineup. After announcing Nico Hulkenberg a few months ago, the Swiss-based team have been waiting for Carlos Sainz to make his decision. However, the Swiss outfit is aware the Spaniard may sign elsewhere. In this scenario, there are alternatives in place.
As F1 enters the tenth round of the season, changes are expected in the driver market.
After months of deliberation, Sainz is ready to decide which team he will join in 2025. Williams have emerged as the favourites to sign the 29-year-old. Whilst Sauber are still in the race, confidence in the Audi-backed project seems limited.
Unsure of where the Ferrari driver will commit himself, Sauber are exploring other options.
Sauber assessing several drivers
“And, of course, we are speaking with a lot of drivers, including Carlos Sainz. That is, of course, the most important for the people, especially here in Spain.
“But we want drivers that have a long commitment with us. We want drivers that will start together with us on this long journey.
“This is one of the elements that we are discussing with every driver, and of course now the decision is approaching…
“I think drivers like Carlos, like Nico Hulkenberg that we have signed, can bring many, many things – experience, raw speed, motivation.
“But there are other drivers also on the market with this characteristic.”
Numerous strong candidates to choose from
There are a plethora of drivers available in the midfield. With Kimi Antonelli firmly the front-runner to join Mercedes in 2025, those without contracts for next season must look beyond the top five teams.
This gives Sauber, despite being last in the standings, an opportunity to punch above their weight and sign high-quality drivers.
Alpine’s fallout with Esteban Ocon, for example, makes the Frenchman a potential target. Pierre Gasly is also considering his options, with the Hinwil-based operation undoubtedly on his radar.
For Alunni Bravi’s team, therefore, there is a great opportunity despite their poor form.
Should they improve the C44 and secure some points, the pool of drivers willing to sign with them (perhaps willing to take a risk on Audi ahead of 2026) should increase.
