This season began with 13 drivers set to be out of an F1 contract in turn, meaning 13 opening at the apex of motor sporting; F1. While that number has significantly come down as Carlos Sainz, the latest piece of the puzzle, finally found a new home. The most important seat left is that of Sauber, soon to be Audi. While the team has already signed Nico Hulkenberg, the seat next to him is empty. Conjectures are ripe as 10x Grand Prix winner, Valtteri Bottas is considered the main contender for the team. However, we think Daniel Ricciardo might also find himself in the mix. Who goes to Audi then?

Why Valtteri Bottas can join Audi’s F1 Project?

“I’m confident I’m going to get a seat.” These were the words of Valtteri Bottas earlier in the year, as driver market speculation reached its height. In the months since then, the dominos have slowly started to fall and his options are becoming extremely limited. It is understood that his old team Mercedes will go in the direction of their prodigal son, Kimi Antonelli. Williams, where everyone thought Bottas had a good chance, has now opted for a driver who has had more recent wins than Valtteri, even though the total number is just one-third of the Finn’s. Though the Williams, Mercedes, and Alpine doors seem closed for the Finnish driver, he might still have a place to spend the future in F1. It is where he exactly is. Sauber is set to become Audi and they might not have to look too far to ‘cast’ their second driver. Valtteri Bottas had stated Mattia Binotto’s arrival at the Audi F1 project offers him a chance to reset contract negotiations.

In the larger scheme of things, Carlos Sainz not choosing Audi can be a blessing in disguise for the 10-time F1 race winner. Bottas’ current team, Kick Sauber F1 racing team, is set to be rebranded as Audi. The team has already signed Nico Hulkenberg as their first driver, but the second seat that remains open may be filled by the more successful driver on the team currently. Betting on Bottas can prove favorable for the incoming German outfit because of his gold mine of experience. It is understood that they are already considering his name. According to reports, Bottas believes that the ‘reset’ of the top leadership at Audi can give him a chance to renegotiate. But if nothing is still set in stone, does it mean there are other suitors?

Daniel Ricciardo may be Valtteri Bottas’ competitor for Audi

Another contender for that Audi seat might be Daniel Ricciardo. Red Bull’s internal situation, with too many drivers for only four Formula 1 seats, may act as a foundation for Dany’s Audi route. Let us understand how. Despite constant rumors (Mercedes) and continuous exits from the team (Jonathan Wheatly, Adrian Newey), Max Verstappen’s commitment to Milton Keynes appears unhinged right now. It was understood that for Red Bull’s second seat, Sergio Perez might be sacked and subsequently Dany Ric might be promoted. However, the team clarified its stand stating they are not booting the Mexican driver. This shut the door for Honey Badger’s entry into the top team, leaving two seats. One of those seats is occupied by Yuki Tsunoda, whose contract extension was announced a couple of months ago. To add to that, Daniel’s performance hasn’t been consistent (as he admitted himself) which may push Red Bull management to give his seat to juniors.

Who occupies the last seat left can be understood from what Red Bull’s chief advisor recently revealed. Helmut Marko stated, “We will announce what happens next to Liam Lawson in September. It has been planned for some time that he would be able to gain more Formula 1 experience in Imola. Even though the competition would like to use him on loan, he is not available for that.”

He added, “Our Formula 2 driver, Isack Hadjar, took his fourth victory in the highest Formula racing class in Spa. He clearly has the potential for Formula 1. We’ll see how things develop, but he will certainly take on some role. It could be that he will spend a year as a test and simulator driver, like Lawson.”

Red Bull is too spoilt for options. This just might lead to Daniel’s ouster. Audi, which will be a new team on the grid, might look for seasoned Grands Prix winners like Daniel Ricciardo or Valtteri Bottas to help them in the initial years rubbing shoulders with Nico Hulkenberg. Who do you think will take that second at Audi?