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With his contract expiring at the end of 2024, Valtteri Bottas is actively looking for a drive in the 2025 season. The Finnish racer has commented on the uncertainty around his F1 future.
Bottas entered the F1 world in 2013 with Williams. Even though he was unable to win a race, the Nastola-based driver was able to consistently score points for the team. After spending four years with the iconic British squad, Bottas was offered a seat with Mercedes-AMG beside Lewis Hamilton in 2017.
However, with his performance dropping drastically in 2020 and 2021 (just three wins in two years), the Brackley-based outfit replaced the #77 racer with a much younger George Russell. He joined Alfa Romeo (now Kick Sauber) in 2022, alongside Chinese rookie Zhou Guanyu.
With 20 pole positions, 67 podium finishes, and 10 Grand Prix wins to his name, Valtteri Bottas is one of the more established drivers on the current F1 grid. Despite his credentials, the 35-year-old racer is yet to find a team to drive for next year. During a recent media interaction, he spoke about the uncertainty of his motorsport career.
"Options are limited for me, but that is how it is. So of course it has crossed my mind, and I have had to think: 'what if I am not in Formula 1 next year?' But it is still too early to think about that. I will be racing something, that is what I have done all my life, so for sure, I won't stay on the beach," Bottas said.
The interaction was shared by an F1 fan page on X. Here's a look at the post:
Despite what the odds may seem, Bottas is in conversations with Mattia Binotto for a seat at Audi (currently Sauber) for 2025.
"We started the discussions with good respect and in a positive way. I think he really understands what he can get out of me for the team, and if I can get involved in a project for the year ahead which is interesting, a car manufacturer, then I am interested as well," he added, during the media interaction.
"We did catch up with Mattia" - Valtteri Bottas sees F1 future with Audi after Carlos Sainz's Williams deal
With Carlos Sainz set to become a part of Williams from 2025 onwards, Valtteri Bottas believes he now has a clear direction for his future in Formula 1. He is in the frame to join Audi (now Kick Sauber) next year, alongside Nico Hulkenberg.
Although there is no confirmation from either Bottas or Sauber, the #77 driver is currently in talks with the team's upcoming boss Mattia Binotto. The 10x Grand Prix winner spoke about the same ahead of the 2024 Dutch GP in August.
“We did catch up with Mattia after Spa and we did continue the discussions this week... It just means there’s one big [piece] of the puzzle has been sorted with Carlos, and now obviously [I’m] discussing with Mattia. That’s where I want to be and stay for the long-term,” Valtteri Bottas said.
Apart from Valtteri Bottas, his current teammate Zhou Guanyu will also be out of contract at the end of 2024, making him a potential rival for the Finnish racer for the Kick Sauber seat in 2025.
