Valtteri Bottas prioritizes contract discussions with Audi

There are only two seasons left before Audi’s arrival. The German manufacturer, which has bought shares of Sauber, will enter Formula 1 for the new regulations. Until 2026, the team will not be led by Audi. During the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the team’s garage will temporarily bear the name Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.

During the next season, Sauber will continue with the same approach as in 2023. The two same drivers will be at the wheel of the cars and the teams within the team led by Andreas Seidl will remain unchanged.

Audi will decide in early 2024

Despite these two years without Audi, the name of the German manufacturer is still prominent in the paddock. With the arrival of a new team, there may be available seats. The future team could replace one or even both of the current drivers. However, Valtteri Bottas believes that he could secure a seat at Audi if he extends his contract with the Swiss team for the year 2025. The Finnish driver has already been extended for an additional season with Sauber until 2024, thanks to the activation of the extension clause. “F1 is the number one thing for me,” Valtteri Bottas stated in AutoSport. “I still have the hunger to eventually climb back on the podium. The Audi project could be the next opportunity.”

Currently, no formal discussions have been initiated between the two parties. Additionally, the former Mercedes driver still does not have a contract for the year 2025. However, Valtteri Bottas is making these negotiations a priority for the beginning of 2024. According to what I understood, they will make decisions for the coming years at the beginning of the year, said the Finnish driver. So nothing is confirmed yet. I will have these discussions in the first quarter of 2023.

In case of failure, the driver who has been through Williams does not plan on withdrawing from the transfer market. His ultimate ambition remains to drive in Formula 1. To be truly honest, I will try to find an exit door, of course, admitted the 34-year-old athlete. Being a part of Audi would be my priority and my number one preference. But if, for any reason, that wasn’t the case, then I will talk to other teams. I want to continue because I feel like there are still things for me to achieve in this sport.

What are the advantages for Audi?

As the inaugural season approaches, Audi continues to prepare its team and organization. For a first Formula 1 season, although the goal is to win races, the team needs to establish its structure. An experienced driver would be very important for the development of the project. Currently, on the market, Valtteri Bottas seems to be the most capable of fulfilling this role. He has triumphed in 10 Grand Prix races and is a former Mercedes driver. A potential competitor and rival. With numerous seasons spent in a World Championship-winning team, his experience could be crucial for the team’s future.

Audi should arrive with the intention of placing a German driver in one of its two cars. In the market, there is only one experienced German driver: Nico Hülkenberg. Valterri Bottas has a much more comprehensive and appealing CV, being slightly younger. The arrival of the Finnish driver could allow Audi to pair a young driver from the country with an experienced veteran who has worked in a German garage.

If Valtteri Bottas were to sign with Audi, he would be 36 years old at the first Grand Prix in 2026.