Valtteri Bottas has denied that a possible obstacle to him renewing his Formula 1 deal with Sauber is dissatisfaction with the financial aspect he has been presented.
Bottas’ spot in the sport remains uncertain heading into this weekend’s United States Grand Prix as Sauber is undecided on who will partner Nico Hulkenberg in 2025.
With Sauber to evolve into a works Audi setup once new regulations land in 2026, Bottas has spoken about his desire to be present upon the German marque’s arrival.
The Finn had conceded that he was hoping an announcement would arrive during the autumn break, but the Hinwil-based squad is continuing to consider the options.
Bottas has admitted that the matter is out of his control as he waits on Sauber boss Mattia Binotto to decide whether he will retain the drive that he’s held since 2022.
“I think I mentioned that I was hoping before Austin to be sorted, but we’re still waiting for the final decisions,” Bottas told media including Motorsport Week.
“I think that question is more for Mattia to answer, rather than me.
“At the moment, I’ve got the message that there’s nothing I can do at the moment, and it is not in my hands.
“Of course, I’m trying to perform the best I can this weekend, and hope that will boost things up. But that’s where we are.”
However, Bottas has revealed that both sides have reached an agreement on contractual terms should the Hinwil-based squad elect to extend his time with the team.
“We’ve been in touch on [a] weekly basis, and I know the terms that I’m up for and am just basically waiting for the green light,” he added.
Valtteri Bottas: ‘Audi should have the budget’ to offer terms
That revelation has put to bed recent speculation that suggested that a hold-up in a deal being completed was owing to Bottas wanting a better wage than proposed.
Asked whether he sensed money could be a problem, Bottas responded: “Shouldn’t be, shouldn’t be an issue.
“I think the terms we’re talking about, I think they should be OK.
“And I think Audi should have the budget, at least that’s the word out there. So I don’t think it should be an issue.”
Binotto, who was appointed over the summer to oversee Sauber’s change to Audi, has divulged that he is weighing up whether to prioritise experience or hire a rookie.
Bottas, though, reckons that his status as an established multiple-time race winner makes him the standout candidate to take the last available drive on the 2025 grid.
“In the situation I’m in now, with only one seat available, of course, there is a risk,” Bottas said when asked whether he was concerned he could lose his seat.
“I love Formula One, and I want to race in Formula One. So, naturally, it’s a bit of an odd situation.
“But, you know, that’s where we are, and I’ve had lots of time to think about different things.
“But still, I’m always positive. I always stay positive, because I really feel and believe that I should be in that seat. I feel I would be best for the interest of the team.
“So, that’s why I’m staying positive. And like I said, not much more I can do now, other than performing on the track and working hard with the team.”
READ MORE – Helmut Marko: Sauber choosing Valtteri Bottas over Mick Schumacher would be ‘incomprehensible’
