Binotto: Mick Schumacher one of the names Audi have in mind

Schumacher has been on the sidelines and acting as a Mercedes F1 reserve since he lost his seat at Haas F1 Team at the end of the 2022 F1 season. He has also raced for Alpine in their World Endurance Championship foray this year.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was keen to find an F1 seat for Schumacher and has reportedly targeted a Williams seat for the German driver, which ended up being a failed attempt as James Vowles opted to replace Logan Sargeant with Williams junior driver Franco Colapinto, a shrewd decision by the former Mercedes strategy head as the Argentine has delivered an impressive performance since his debut at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix.

But it seems a new window of opportunity is opening up for Schumacher, at Audi, as Binotto said the former Ferrari Driver Academy member is being evaluated as an option to become their second driver alongside the already confirmed Hulkenberg.

Speaking in an interview with Italian publication Corriere della Sera, Binotto discussed Audi's driver plans; he said: "We can afford the luxury of not rushing, since all the other teams have decided their line-ups.

"There are two essential options: on the one hand, experience to set us on the growth path. On the other is a young, talented driver who can accompany us on the path to the top," he added, referring to Sauber incumbent, Valtteri Bottas and Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto.

But when quizzed about Schumacher, the Swiss-Italian responded: "We are definitely evaluating him.

"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 advantages. He is one of the names we have in mind," he insisted.

Binotto also touched on the development of Audi's F1 project; he said: "We are at the beginning of the climb. In front of us there is Everest, and now we can only see the base.

"We are deciding which side to climb, but it is important to establish a path. If we compare ourselves with our opponents, we have about 400 fewer people. We need to add to them to be able to compete at the same level: they cannot be found in two days, and not necessarily in F1. Our choice is to invest in young people," he explained.

When asked to set a timeframe for Audi to start winning in F1, Binotto said: "Other teams have taken years to get to the top.

"[Jean] Todt joined Maranello in 1993, and the first constructors' title was in 1999. Same thing for Mercedes. It will take five to seven years. We expect to be able to fight in 2030," he concluded.