Stake F1 Team has announced that Robert Shwartzman will drive for Sauber in FP1 of Dutch GP, which is part of the FIA programme.
In a surprise pick by Stake F1 Team, they have opted to field Ferrari sportscar driver Shwartzman in a FIA-mandated FP1 session in this weekend’s Dutch GP at Circuit Zandvoort. The Russian has his first chance with Sauber.
He has only driven for Ferrari in previous FP1 and test sessions. But Stake F1 Team has overlooked academy drivers Zane Maloney and Theo Pourchaire to give Shwartzman a drive for the first of the two outings that the team has to fulfil.
Shwartzman will replace Valtteri Bottas, who is still chasing Sauber/Audi for the second seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg in F1 2025. It is unclear if the Russian too is on the list now, considering his close ties with new CEO Mattia Binotto.
“Robert Shwartzman will take part in FP1 for Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix,” said a note from the team. “The young driver, a Scuderia Ferrari reserve driver in this year’s Formula One season, will take over Valtteri Bottas’s seat for the session, with the Finn resuming driving duties for the remainder of the weekend.
“As in previous occasions, we work in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari to give young talent an opportunity in practice sessions. Good luck, Robert!” Last year, both the FP1 sessions saw Pourchaire drive the Sauber car (then called as Alfa Romeo).
Here’s Xevi Pujolar on what is ailing Sauber
Here’s Valtteri Bottas on current instability at Sauber
Here’s Alessandro Alunni Bravi expanding on Mattia Binotto hire
Here’s Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber drivers on Mattia Binotto
Here’s Audi naming Jonathan Wheatley as team principal
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