Bottas uncertain about his future in Formula 1 after 2024
F1. The Audi seat is the last one left to be filled for 2025. Many candidates are currently under consideration, including Valterri Bottas. The Finn has nevertheless conceded that he is probably experiencing his last moments in Formula 1.
Who will be the last driver on the grid in 2025? While 19 of the 20 drivers have already been confirmed, Sauber, which will become Audi in 2026, is waiting before unveiling the driver who will be alongside Nico Hülkenberg next year. Especially since the Hinwil team had to endure the failure of the Carlos Sainz deal, whom the team desperately wanted to recruit. A long wait for all the drivers looking for a spot on the starting grid in 2025, like Valtteri Bottas. The current Sauber driver still hopes to keep his seat at Stake and wants to leverage his experience in the discipline as well as his ability to be a leader to convince the new managers to keep him next year.
A new hope for Bottas thanks to Mattia Binotto.
A situation that has evolved, as the former Finnish driver appeared condemned to having to leave the discipline under Andreas Seidl, the former CEO of Sauber, who preferred to wait and explore many avenues on the market instead of the Finn. However, with the announcement in July of Mattia Binotto's arrival in place of the former McLaren director, discussions between Bottas and Sauber were revived, the two men having talked after the Zandvoort Grand Prix and once again last weekend in Monza. Bottas even emphasized that these discussions took place in a respectful and positive manner. During these meetings, the Finn insisted on asserting his conditions, explaining that he wanted a multi-year contract.
« I am only interested in a multi-year contract. Because for me, by only doing one year, I know that next year will probably not be easy for my career. It's not that interesting. So, for me, the essential thing is to be part of a clear project and to have a clear plan for the coming years. At this stage of my career, I think it's important. » The Finn is aware that he is living his last years in the premier class, especially since the available options are becoming more and more limited.
One seat available in 2025
Even if Red Bull renewed Perez, the Austrian team is considering having to part ways with him. However, if this turns out to be the case, his potential replacements are already identified with Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson. The Sauber seat therefore represents the last hope for Bottas, who nevertheless conceded that his Grand Prix career could be over at the end of this season. « Options are limited for me, but that's how it is," he told the media, including RacingNews365. « Certainly, the thought has crossed my mind, and I had to think: what if I'm not in Formula 1 next year? But it's still too early to think about it. I will continue to race in one way or another, that's what I've been doing all my life, so for sure, I won't be staying at the beach. »
The winner of 10 Grand Prix in Formula 1 believes that his experience and past successes will be beneficial in advancing the team, making him one of the top names on the list of potential drivers. « In theory, I should be in a good position. I have the experience, and I believe that is what the team needs. In this sense, I am well placed, but then, it depends on the boss and the Audi board for the future. » The German manufacturer does not seem to be in a hurry to make a decision due to the many questions surrounding this second seat.
The choice of youth or experience for Sauber
Recently speaking on the subject, Mattia Binotto announced that the team is currently weighing the pros and cons between choosing an experienced driver, like Bottas, alongside Hülkenberg, or opting for a young talent. This is something we need to evaluate: are we going to opt for experience or something else? This is a project aimed at a long-term goal, so what is the best solution for us by this final goal? Is it wiser to have short-term experience and then move on to something else? We are evaluating the advantages and disadvantages to find the best compromise, concluded the former director of Ferrari.
A Bottas-Bortoleto duel for the second seat
Among the available and preferred options, one name stands out these days: Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian driver, currently second in the Formula 2 championship, particularly caught the eye of Sauber last weekend in Monza, where he won the main race after starting from the last position on the grid. This feat makes him an increasingly serious candidate for the second seat in the Swiss team, or even the favorite if the team decides to opt for youth over experience. Sauber faces a difficult choice, needing to find a driver capable of leading the team and its project to new heights, especially in terms of having a competitive car in 2026 for Audi's arrival.
