Two young drivers have officially been named as potential frontrunners to complete Audi-owned Sauber's lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
At Monza, Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team boss, attended a grand prix for the first time in his new role overseeing Audi's Sauber takeover, alongside Audi CEO Gernot Dollner.
Although Sauber won't be rebranded as Audi or equipped with Audi engines until the new regulations arrive in 2026, Binotto is concerned that Sauber currently sits at the bottom of the 2024 standings, being the only team yet to score a point.
"Of course we cannot afford that," the Italian said as he and Dollner spoke to the media at the Italian GP.
"We have to move up the field and gain muscle in every respect. The team's current position is unacceptable," he said. "It hurts."
However, Binotto acknowledged that it is "very difficult" to predict how long it will take to turn the team's fortunes around.
Despite rumours questioning the strength of Audi's commitment to the project, CEO Dollner expressed patience for the long-term effort.
"Our commitment to Formula 1 was never in question," he emphasized. "Audi in Formula 1 is a long-term project for us. What we have looked at is how we set it up, but it was never a question of whether we really wanted to do it or not."
"We took a close look at our previous structure and realised that changes were needed. We have also adjusted the timeframe," Dollner revealed. "We have to remain realistic, because in Formula 1 you need time to be successful."
Sauber is expected to face challenges again in 2025, with experienced newcomer Nico Hulkenberg already signed for one seat.
As for the other seat, it remains the final vacancy on next year's F1 grid, with current driver Valtteri Bottas seen as a strong contender.
But Binotto stressed: "We are looking at all of our options."
"We're weighing up whether we want to rely on experience or youth. Nothing has been decided yet, but we should decide soon, because it is not in our interest for there to be any more speculation. We are looking at numerous drivers," he added.
"Theo Pourchaire is our reserve driver today and already part of our family, and there is no doubt that he is on our list. Gabriele Bortoletto is also a possibility," he added. "He is doing very well in F2 and has shown that he has great talent. We are certainly watching what he does as we do with many others, but they are not the only names we are looking at."
"There are people with great potential, experience. Once again, it's about judging what is most important for us in the short, medium, and long term."
Finally, Binotto confirmed that until former Red Bull sporting boss Jonathan Wheatley assumes his new role as Audi F1 boss in July next year, he will serve as the interim team principal.
"I know dual roles in Formula 1 well," said Binotto, "so I will take on this job, even if I probably won't be at all the grands prix."
