Dizzying – who will drive for Sauber next year?

At Kick Sauber, one cockpit will remain vacant until 2025. There are always different names around Hinwil. Nico Hulkenberg's team-mates should be announced before the end of the season. These are possible candidates.

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To put it bluntly, this season has been miserable for Sauber. No points have been scored in 20 games so far and there are no signs of improvement in sight.

What's causing more discussion at Sauber than its sporting performance is next year's open cockpit. It is understood that only one driver, Nico Hülkenberg, will compete for the Hinwil team next year.

Nico Hulkenberg will start for Sauber next year.Image: trapezoid

A number of people have been shortlisted for open seats in the team, which will be taken over by Audi in 2026. From current drivers to possible returners to young hopefuls, it's all there. These are possible candidates.

current pilot

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu currently have contracts with Sauber. Both drivers have told multiple media outlets that they are still in talks with the team. For Zhou in particular, that hope may just be wishful thinking. Aside from generous Chinese sponsors, there's not much to say for the 25-year-old.

Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas (right) also remain candidates for free cockpit. Image: trapezoid

Valtteri Bottas recently complained that a decision had not yet been made. But with Sauber being the only team with a free cockpit next season, there is no time pressure for the final spot in the World Championship, much to the displeasure of Valtteri Bottas:

Bottas' experience proved his ability, but he also failed to achieve the sporting results he had hoped for. The 35-year-old Finn is now in the autumn of his career, while Nico Hulkenberg, who has been appointed for next year, is two years older than Bottas. It's doubtful that Sauber and Audi would be interested in filling both cockpits with thirtysomethings – even if they could help with the car's development with their years of Formula 1 experience.

Famous returnees

Mick Schumacher drove in Formula 1 for Haas in 2021 and 2022. The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher had to leave Team USA due to poor athletic performance and a dispute with then-team owner Gunther Steiner.

Mick Schumacher is currently waiting for a call from Sauber.Image: trapezoid

Nico Hülkenberg continues Schumacher's legacy at Haas. The following year he moved to Mercedes as reserve driver. This season the German will compete in the Alpine Long Distance World Championships and has impressed so far. However, he lost out to Jack Doohan in the race for Formula One's free Alpine cockpit – with his suitability for top-flight motorsport repeatedly being called into question.

Recently, Sauber team boss Mattia Binotto confirmed that Schumacher is on the list of possible drivers and that preliminary contacts have been made with the German. You'll often hear new rumors about the 25-year-old, especially in the German media, but our northern neighbor can only offer speculation from various experts at the moment.

highly sought after argentinian

Franco Colapinto only competed in five races as a regular driver for Williams. The Argentinian has impressed at all levels as the replacement for American Logan Sargent, who has not scored a goal this season, and has already scored twice. The 21-year-old also brought good pace in qualifying and impressed with his tire management in the race.

Of course, Sauber also began to pay attention to the young South American. Commitment will also be very lucrative from a financial perspective. The successful mission created a real buzz in Argentina, and Argentinian sponsors were prepared to pay large sums of money. There's also stiff competition due to his performances – with the likes of Red Bull and Alpine already showing interest.

Franco Colapinto is one of the most popular riders currently.Image: trapezoid

The advantage for Sauber is that Colapinto will become a regular driver immediately. Williams will also be without a seat next year, with the driver pairing of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz already confirmed. There may be a few doors open for the Argentinian in the near future, but another year as backup driver is unlikely to be an option for a talent of this caliber.

Leader of Formula 2

Gabriel Bortoleto is another breakout player in recent years. The Brazilian won the Formula 3 race as a rookie last year, with Bortoletto also topping the world championship standings in his first Formula 2 season. The current McLaren junior has received a one-year contract offer from Sauber. But Bortoletto rejected this.

If he wins the world title, the 20-year-old will not be able to compete in Formula 2 next year. This poses a problem for Bortoletto, as McLaren's young duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri currently don't look like there will be a vacancy for the next few years.

Gabriel Bortoleto is the current leader of Formula 2 racing.Picture: www.imago-images.de

Bortoletto's coach is none other than two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. For the Spaniard, it was important that his disciples not rush things:

Like Colapinto, Bortoletto has the option of moving straight into Sauber (which will likely only be behind next year), or spending a year as a test driver in the hope of a new opportunity in 2026.

your own mistress

Théo Pourchaire has also been tipped to have a chance at the vacant spot. The Frenchman won the Formula 2 title last year and is serving as test and reserve driver for Sauber this season. The 21-year-old has been part of the Sauber academy for many years, but his chances of earning a free cockpit are slim. Even in free practice Ferrari teenager Robert Schwarzman had priority over Pourchaire.

Théo Pourchaire has signed a contract with Sauber.Picture: www.imago-images.de

Last year's Formula 2 champion was scrappy: “I'm young but I'm ready. Of course they know I'm there. If you need me: I'm here and ready.”