Robert Shwartzman will take part in the first free practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix aboard the Sauber C44, taking over from Valtteri Bottas. A very important opportunity in a moment of uncertainty for the Swiss team, which has not yet confirmed its second driver for 2025.
The official news that Robert Shwartzman will be driving the Sauber C44 during the first free practice session of the Dutch GP in Zandvoort has aroused great interest in the world of Formula 1. The former Formula 2 driver, now involved in the WEC and as Ferrari's reserve driver will have the opportunity to showcase his talent at a crucial stage of the season. As the last ten races of the 2024 championship approach, Sauber has yet to decide who will partner Nico Hulkenberg in 2025, leaving several possibilities open for the future.
Shwartzman and his Sauber debut: a crucial first experience
The young Russian-Israeli driver has already proven his worth on several occasions, but this debut with Sauber could represent a fundamental step towards securing a future in Formula 1. official announcement released by the team, it reads:
“Robert Shwartzman will make his debut with the Sauber team in FP1 of the Dutch Grand Prix. We are excited to give him this opportunity and are confident that his experience and talent will be a valuable addition to the team.”
The team's words underline the importance of this session for Shwartzman, who will have the task not only of quickly adapting to the car, but also of impressing the team's top management. The inclusion of a young driver like Shwartzman in such a delicate moment for Sauber can be seen as a strategic move, aimed at evaluating possible alternatives for the future, especially in a team that is trying to rebuild after difficult years.
Sauber, a future still uncertain for Bottas and Zhou
As the 2025 season approaches, Sauber has not yet made a final decision on the second driver to partner Nico Hulkenberg. Currently, neither Valtteri Bottas nor Zhou Guangyu have confirmed their stay in the Swiss team for next season, which makes Shwartzman's participation in the FP1 of the Dutch GP even more interesting.
Valtteri Bottas, an experienced driver with numerous podiums under his belt, and Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1, find themselves in a delicate position. Both have shown flashes of talent throughout the season, but with the team's performances falling short of expectations, their position is far from secure. The next ten races will be decisive for the future of both drivers, who will have to prove they are the right choice for Sauber ahead of 2025.
Shwartzman's debut in FP1 at Zandvoort could therefore be interpreted as a test for a possible future in the Swiss team, should Bottas or Zhou fail to guarantee the required performances. Sauber finds itself at a crucial moment in its history, also thanks to the many additions to the team in view of the arrival of Audi in 2026. The presence of Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley will serve to determine the long-term future of the team but Even on the drivers front we need to act or rather react given the few options on the table. And in this context, the opportunity given to Shwartzman appears as a clear signal of the team's willingness to explore all available options to return to the top of Formula 1.
