Kevin Magnussen has emerged as a surprise contender for the second seat at Audi-owned Sauber for 2025.

With the Formula 1 driver market for next season largely settled, Audi-Sauber's search for Nico Hulkenberg's teammate has been delayed, with Valtteri Bottas and rookies Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto previously linked to the role.

Rumors suggest Audi's discussions with Williams and McLaren over potential loan deals for Colapinto and Bortoleto are complex. Meanwhile, some speculate that the financial troubles at Audi's parent company Volkswagen, which is contemplating factory closures, job cuts, and pay reductions, could also be contributing to the delay.

Amid this uncertainty, Magnussen, who has been left out of Haas' 2025 lineup in favor of Esteban Ocon, could now be viewed as an affordable and experienced option for Audi-Sauber.

Although he has been outpaced by teammate Hulkenberg for most of 2024, Magnussen's recent performances have turned heads. In Mexico, he delivered an outstanding P7 finish, earning him a perfect 10 out of 10 score from Auto Motor und Sport.

"In this form, the Dane should stay in Formula 1," the German publication stated. "With P7 on the grid, he was less than two tenths behind Lewis Hamilton. In the final laps of the race, Magnussen even caught up with Verstappen and crossed the line only four seconds behind the Dutchman."

Magnussen himself credits recent changes to the car for his sudden resurgence, saying, "We have made some changes to the brakes, for example. It just made me very confident in the car. Now I just have to try to hold on to that confidence."

Haas boss Ayao Komatsu praised Magnussen's recent performances as well, particularly his speed in Mexico. "His pace in the second stint was incredible. He overtook Verstappen and finished just four seconds behind him at the end.

"It might be the best I've seen Kevin drive."