Mick Schumacher’s prospects for a Formula One return have received a significant boost, as Audi’s Chief Operating Officer, Mattia Binotto, has named him a strong contender for a seat on the soon-to-launch Audi team.
Schumacher, son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher, competed with Haas during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Currently, he serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes and races in the Endurance World Championship with Alpine.
In 2026, German automaker Audi will fully take over the Switzerland-based Sauber team, which is set to debut its F1 entry. Schumacher has emerged as a candidate for a race seat as early as the 2025 season.
Speaking to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Binotto confirmed Schumacher is on their shortlist to partner with Nico Hulkenberg next year.
“We are considering him as a potential driver. He’s on our list,” Binotto stated.
Having worked with Schumacher during his time as an academy driver at Ferrari, Binotto is well-acquainted with the young driver’s capabilities. “I know Mick’s potential, his strengths, and his weaknesses. He’s a consistent, fast driver and a dedicated team player,” Binotto explained.
However, Binotto added that Schumacher could benefit from additional track experience to sharpen his lap times. He praised Schumacher’s work ethic and attitude, emphasizing that drivers should not be judged solely on speed but also on their mindset and approach.
Other candidates for the Audi seat include current Sauber drivers Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, but Schumacher remains a strong contender for what could be a pivotal F1 comeback.
