Audi chief Mattia Binotto insists the team won’t rush announcing their 2025 driver lineup, but the ex-Ferrari boss confirmed he has held talks with Mick Schumacher.

Nico Hulkenberg is joining the revamped team from next season as they prepare to rebrand from Sauber to Audi. But the other seat is up for grabs with at least one – or perhaps both – of Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu leaving.

Binotto explained that his past links with Schumacher has put the 24-year-old in contention to return to the grid for the first time since 2022.

“We can afford the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided their line-ups,” Binotto said.

“Two essential aspects: on the one hand, experience to set the growth path. On the other, a young, talented driver who can accompany us on the path to the top.

“Definitely [Schumacher is an option], we are evaluating it. I met him and spoke to him, I have known him for a long time, having been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. I know his strengths and weaknesses. He is one of the names we have in mind.”