The future of the second seat at Audi is more uncertain than ever. According to journalist Roger Benoit of the newspaper View, Valtteri Bottas, who now seemed certain of to remain in the team, would have requested a pay rise as a condition for the renewal of the contract. This request would have complicated the negotiations, paving the way for a possible return of Mick Schumacher, the young German driver currently linked to Mercedes.
Bottas' request and the stalemate in negotiations
At the end of September, View had reported that Bottas was close to signing a renewal with Audi, with the idea of partnering Nico Hulkenberg from 2025. However, negotiations have hit a significant stumbling block in recent weeks. “Bottas is creating problems, he is looking for a more advantageous contract and a salary increase”, we read in the report of the Swiss newspaper, always very close to the affairs of the Hinwil team, where the Audi-Sauber factory is located.
This request for economic improvement would have given pause to the top management of Audi, who are looking around for alternatives. According to rumors, Audi would be reluctant to satisfy Bottas' requests, especially in view of the regulatory changes of 2026, when the team will officially enter with the Audi brand.
Mick Schumacher back in the game
With Bottas on the line, Mick Schumacher's name has come up again. The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has worked with Sauber-Audi as a reserve driver in the past and now looks set to be a major option for the German team. Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko confirmed that “Audi is seriously considering Mick Schumacher”, underlining how the young driver could be the ideal choice to partner Nico Hulkenberg in 2025.
Previously, Audi had explored other options, such as the young talents Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto, but both now seem out of the running. Schumacher, on the other hand, with his experience in Formula 1 and strong ties to Germany, could represent an interesting option both from a sporting and commercial point of view.

Gunther Steiner's words
Gunther Steiner, team principal of Haas and former employer of Mick Schumacher, also recently spoke about the young driver's possible return to F1. “It will be difficult for him to find a place, but if he succeeds, I will be happy”, Steiner said in an interview with RacingNews365. “People think I wanted him out of F1, but that’s not the case. Maybe there’s still a chance in Audi, but he’s been out for three years and his seasons have been difficult”.
Steiner’s words reflect the complexity of Schumacher’s situation, as he left F1 at the end of 2022 after two seasons with Haas. However, his experience, combined with the weight of his family name, could play in his favor, especially if Audi decides to focus on a driver with strong media resonance.
Bottas or Schumacher? Audi's decision
With Bottas demanding a raise and Schumacher back on the radar, Audi faces a crucial decision. The German manufacturer is carefully planning its entry into F1 and the choice of drivers will be crucial to ensuring a smooth transition. On the one hand, Bottas brings with him a long history in F1 and a solid reputation, but on the other his salary demands could be an obstacle.
On the other hand, Mick Schumacher represents a riskier bet. For now, negotiations are still open, but the future of Audi's second seat is still up in the air.
Source statements: FormulaPassion