Valtteri Bottas, one of the drivers yet to secure a contract for 2025, has been relatively quiet about his future. Unlike other drivers who are vocal about their moves in the transfer market, Bottas has only assured that he intends to be on the grid next year. Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, he reveals that necessary discussions have been initiated.
“There’s a lot happening behind the scenes,” Bottas tells the press in Barcelona. “I think I need to make a decision soon. I haven’t signed anything yet, but I know what the options are.” Realistically, the Finnish driver could extend his contract with Sauber or seek a new challenge elsewhere. In the latter case, Williams and Alpine are the most logical options. If Williams fails to secure Carlos Sainz, a seasoned driver like Bottas would be a safe choice for the British team.
Valtteri Bottas and His Future with Sauber
Simply extending Valtteri Bottas’ contract with Sauber is easier said than done. The Swiss racing stable is set to be rebranded as an Audi factory team in 2026, and experts do not expect the Germans to want to work with Bottas. Audi would reportedly prefer to bring Carlos Sainz to Hinwil. However, Bottas believes he still has a chance with his current employer. “I think this team is definitely an option,” he explained. “But Audi wants to hold off for now, and I can’t wait forever.”
The Role of Carlos Sainz
The future once again hinges entirely on Carlos Sainz. Kevin Magnussen previously described him as ‘the cork in the bottle’, and Bottas also hopes that the Spaniard will soon give the transfer market a new boost. “It all depends on what Sainz does,” he told the Finnish Iltalehti. “Only then will all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. That’s what the teams are waiting for, which is why they haven’t made a decision yet.”
Bottas’ Current Season
As for the current season, Bottas can be brief. Due to a poor start to the season from Sauber, the ten-time Grand Prix winner is still pointless at the bottom of the championship. Behind the scenes, the staff is said to be mainly focused on the team’s future plans. “Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward,” Bottas said. “Fundamentally, there’s nothing wrong with our car, but the competition is just too strong for us right now.”
