Valtteri Bottas reflects on the loss of his seat at Sauber

Valtteri Bottas has been a driver for the Sauber team since 2022, but he will lose his seat this winter. The team has decided to form a duo composed of Nico Hülkenberg, already signed, and Gabriel Bortoleto, one of the current leaders in F2. This marks, at least for now, the end of an adventure in Grand Prix started with Williams over ten years ago, with 10 victories, all achieved during his time at Mercedes, alongside Lewis Hamilton.

Asked about his reaction to this announcement during the press conference in Las Vegas, the Finn commented: “I think that the closer we got to this decision date, the more I understood that there were other candidate drivers as well. Of course, we start to hear rumors. In the end, I still thought there might be a 50% chance [of staying]. I received the call last Monday, but at least I know now. I just have to think about what comes next.”

« Life goes on. There are a lot of exciting things coming up. I am at peace with that. It’s a complicated sport. I think I found myself in a bit of an unlucky situation trying to hold onto the last available seat on the grid. When that doesn’t pan out, obviously, you are sidelined for the moment. »

Valtteri Bottas explained that he had discussed with many people throughout the paddock earlier in the season to assess his options, while showing a constant interest in the Audi project, before admitting that it simply wasn’t meant to be.

The end of his career in F1?

As for his desire to continue in F1, he added: « The way my active career in F1 ended for now was not ideal, as you can’t really decide for yourself. I feel I still have a lot to offer to the sport and I still love it. I love competing against the best drivers in the world in the best cars in the world. That’s what I love. »

« I am just trying to determine now what the next move will be. I don’t have much else to say at the moment. I am taking things day by day, and there are interesting opportunities on the table.

Regarding a possible move to another category, such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) or IndyCar, Valtteri Bottas clarified that his priority remains a return to F1.

For me, for now, jumping into a new category seems a bit rushed. We’re almost in December. This seems more realistic if I don’t find a seat in F1 for 2025 or 2026.