Audi-owned Sauber has bypassed options like incumbent Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher to confirm rookie Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2025 season.
This decision came despite recent reports from Blick correspondent Roger Benoit, who had previously claimed that Bottas, 34, would remain with the team next year.
"A successful team boss told me on Sunday at the Brazilian GP, 'Sorry, the people in charge at Audi-Sauber gave me the wrong information,'" Benoit explained. "They obviously didn't know themselves!"
With Bottas' looming departure, it means that - for the first time in decades - no Finnish drivers will be on the F1 grid next year.
"It's sad, of course, but it was a bit expected," said former Finnish F1 driver Mika Salo, who also raced for Sauber.
"Valtteri stayed there for a surprisingly long time," he told Ilta Sanomat.
Bottas is now expected to return to Mercedes as a reserve driver, potentially replacing Mick Schumacher in that role.
Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto, who previously worked with Schumacher at Ferrari, was asked why he chose Bortoleto over Schumacher.
"I don't think there's any blame for anyone, it's just that we decided on a different choice, that's all," Binotto stated.
"Maybe we should ask Toto (Wolff) the same thing - why Kimi (Antonelli) and not Mick?"
RTL reporter Felix Gorner described the decision as "a massive blow" to Schumacher's career, adding, "It hurts, but it's clear that a generational change is coming to Formula 1."
Even Schumacher's uncle Ralf acknowledged the challenge, saying, "Unfortunately, Formula 1 is rather unrealistic for Mick now, unless someone drops out due to illness.
"The question now is who will be the reserve driver, and where? Or will Mick now concentrate on his endurance racing career instead?"
Ralf Schumacher expressed understanding for Audi's approach, saying, "Generally, I think it's good that Audi is going down a new path with a young driver who has won in Formula 3 and is currently leading Formula 2. That's a similar level to Oscar Piastri."
