Helmut Marko backs Mick Schumacher for F1 return but has stern warning for Michael's son
Mick Schumacher is fighting for a return to the F1 grid in 2025.
Helmut Marko believes that Mick Schumacher is the best option for Sauber to sign in 2025, describing the possibility of offering Valtteri Bottas a new short-term deal as ‘incomprehensible’.
The Finnish racer is currently the favourite to secure the seat next to Nico Hulkenberg at the Hinwil-based outfit after dominating team-mate Zhou Guanyu throughout the 2024 campaign. Unfortunately for the incumbent Sauber duo, the team’s dismal performance has made it difficult to stand out.
Bottas is not without competition. Fernando Alonso’s junior prodigy Gabriel Bortoleto is currently leading the Formula Two standings and is the reigning Formula Three champion, while Franco Colapinto’s performances for Williams have marked him out as a hidden gem in the driver market.
Related articles
Schumacher’s name has also been mentioned. The 25-year-old could form one-half of an all-German line-up if he joins Sauber ahead of their 2026 rebrand, although the son of legendary seven-time world champion Michael has already been snubbed by a host of teams lately.
Discussing his thoughts about Sauber’s vacant seat for 2025, Marko told Sport.de: “I think Audi's car will definitely not be a winning car next year. That means there will be no pressure for Audi or its drivers.
“It would be a good comparison with Nico Hulkenberg. If the performance is not right, you can always replace him for 2026. If the situation is really that Valtteri Bottas gets the chance, then the whole thing is even more incomprehensible to me.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Marko continued: "I think the Formula One story is really over for Schumacher if he doesn't get that Audi seat. Then he has to concentrate on the long-distance races in the WEC, where he was already very successful. If he wants to stay in motorsport, he has to find something that he likes, but where he also has a chance to win."
Schumacher has been fighting for a return to the grid since leaving Haas at the end of the 2022 campaign but has been overlooked in 2024 by both Williams and Alpine, casting doubts over his position in the driver market.
More F1...
F1 love triangle rumours swirl as glamorous TikTok star 'splits with boyfriend' [DRAMA]
FIA chief makes Max Verstappen feelings clear as he goes on the attack [COMMENT]
Helmut Marko continues to twist the knife in Daniel Ricciardo after F1 sacking [LATEST]
The Swiss-born racer was coy when asked about interest from Mattia Binotto’s team during an interview with German newspaper BILD. “Time will tell,” he replied. “Time is of the essence at the moment. There is nothing to say at the moment.”
If Schumacher does fail to secure a return to the F1 grid then he can at least fall back on a strong career in the World Endurance Championship. The former F2 and F3 champion has impressed Alpine bosses in his rookie year and the French outfit are keen to retain him for 2025 and beyond.
