### Binotto Clarifies Audi F1 2025 Line-Up Amid Bottas and Schumacher Speculations

In a recent development, Mattia Binotto has clarified the situation regarding Audi's 2025 Formula 1 driver line-up, addressing rumors involving Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher. Meeting with Schumacher in Austin, the Audi Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer emphasized that no final decision has been made despite claims to the contrary.

Audi, which competes under the Sauber name one last time next year, remains one of the few non-Red Bull teams with an open seat for the 2025 season. Bottas had fueled speculation by suggesting he had already agreed on terms with Audi, pending only the final approval. He told the media, including PlanetF1.com, that he was essentially "waiting for the green light," confirming a weekly dialogue and knowledge of the terms.

However, Binotto countered this narrative, indicating that Bottas' seat is far from secured. Speaking to Sky Italia, he mentioned that he reassured Schumacher, who aims to return to F1 after being let go by Haas at the end of 2022, that no decisions had been finalized. Schumacher remains a top candidate for Audi's vacant seat. "I told him that nothing has been decided yet," said Binotto, adding that Schumacher is firmly on the shortlist.

Binotto, who has a longstanding relationship with Schumacher from their time at Ferrari, stressed that any decision would be made logically rather than emotionally. "It has to be a decision of the mind, not an emotional decision," he stated.

Given the still-uncertain status of Bottas' negotiations—complicated by contract length and salary talks—Schumacher's hopes are very much alive. "We have the luxury of not being in a hurry, all the other teams having decided on their line-up," Binotto noted, indicating that there would be no rushed choices.

Other names in the mix include Williams driver Franco Colapinto and McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto, both of whom have also been linked to Audi for the upcoming season.