Valtteri Bottas, one of the drivers yet to sign a new contract for 2025, is in his final year with Sauber. The Finnish star is confident about ongoing negotiations, although there are options he would rather exclude. For instance, Bottas is not keen on a return to Mercedes. “I don’t need that now,” says the ten-time race winner.
Mirror Sport asked Bottas about the progress of his new contract. The 34-year-old driver recently indicated that he is not overly concerned about a new collaboration. He assumes there will be a spot for him on the grid next year. While a return to Williams (for whom he drove between 2013 and 2016) seems increasingly likely, Bottas confirms that he will not be returning to Mercedes.
“I’m not going to fill a seat for just one year,” Bottas referred to a new collaboration with Mercedes. “I don’t need that now.” Insiders suggest he could have secured a one-year deal with the Germans. Team boss Toto Wolff wants to ensure he can offer a seat to rising talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the future.
“I want to enter into a multi-year collaboration with a clear future plan,” Bottas continued. “A nice challenge with a bit of perspective. If I sign a contract for one year, I’m right back to square one. I’m good friends with Toto Wolff, so of course we’ve discussed a few things, but I think it’s good to have a bit of certainty. Hopefully, everything will be settled soon.”
