Sauber Motorsport’s new boss Mattia Binotto says there are a number of drivers competing for a place in the 2025 Stake and he would not rule out a chance for Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire, who has made a strong impression in IndyCar (pictured above) or McLaren’s F2 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.

Binotto has joined Sauber as COO and CTO after being announced ahead of the summer break, with Red Bull’s current sporting director Jonathan Wheatley set to join him as team principal next year. Stake has the only remaining seat outside the Red Bull programme following Mercedes’ endorsement of Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Alpine’s decision to promote Jack Doohan for 2025, with Bortoleto linked with the team after his impressive rookie season in F2.

“First of all, Theo is our reserve driver today, so in a way he is already part of our family and he is on our list without a doubt,” said Binotto. “Gabriel is doing very well in F2 today – I think he must be a great talent and we are certainly looking at what he is doing, as we are looking at many others. I don’t think that is the only name we are focusing our attention on.

“So there are many names on the list. Great potential, great expertise, great experience. It’s something we have to decide what’s most important for us in the short, medium and long term, and we’ll make a clear plan – which I don’t have an answer for you today.”

Bortoleto’s crucial last-place finish at Monza left him just 10.5 points off the F2 championship leader, but Binotto says he and his new team are still working to understand whether a rookie or experienced driver would be the best choice for next season.

“I’ll be there for a few weeks, so I’m sharing my impressions, not just for myself — but definitely for the next steps,” he said. “It’s definitely something we have to judge — are we looking for experience or something new? This is a project looking at a medium- to long-term goal or even a long-term goal, so what’s best for us from now until the final goal? Is it to have shorter-term experiences and then move on to something different?”

“Of course we listen to all potential drivers. We definitely evaluate the pros and cons, what is the best compromise? In the end it’s a choice you make on the balance of all aspects.

“Of course we will make a decision as soon as possible because we need to build the team for next year and for the future. And we have to stop any speculation because it is not in our interest. But so far there is no decision on what would be best. That is the kind of assessment we are making at the moment and hopefully we will reach a conclusion very soon.”