Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas has revealed that he is now in the process of engaging in discussions over securing his position on the Formula 1 grid beyond 2024.
Bottas’ current contract with the Swiss outfit will expire at the end of this season, but he has expressed that an extension to remain for the Audi takeover is his goal.
When asked about the state of his talks with Sauber and other teams, Bottas divulged that he and his management team have started to hold tentative conversations.
How 2024 develops regarding the ex-Mercedes driver’s personal performance could be key for his future, both within his current team or potential opportunities elsewhere.
“I’m slowly, slowly getting the ball rolling. But nothing fundamental yet,” Bottas admitted in Japan.
“I think we need a few more [races this season] under our belt, and hopefully with a good few results, the ball will roll a bit more, but not much yet.”
Nonetheless, the 34-year-old conceded there is a certain danger of ending up without a team, which has prompted him to work on securing his future as soon as possible.
“That’s why you need to try and be one step ahead. That’s what my management is working on in the background,” he explained.
“I focus on the driving, and I’ve got people in the background, trying to read the market and work on different options if that will be needed.”
Bottas arrived at Sauber ahead of the 2022 season, when it was known as Alfa Romeo, but the team has regressed since a storming start to the ground effect rules.
However, the Finn, a 10-time race winner with Mercedes, views Audi’s impending arrival in 2026 as a chance to return his name to the sharp end of the sport’s grid.
“Obviously, being part of Audi, that could be a great opportunity for me to do that. So, of course, that’s interesting for me,” he added.
Expanding more on his future, Bottas professed that he missed the feeling provided when fighting at the front of the field since his Mercedes departure in 2021.
In the midst of his 12th season in F1, Bottas remains motivated to achieve more and prefers not to put any specific timeframes regarding a potential retirement.
“I don’t really actually want to put any specific number on how many years I have left, just because I don’t see the end coming yet,” he said.
“I still feel like I have lots to give and lots to achieve. Now my motivation is to get back closer to the top. I miss that feeling of fighting more towards the front end.
Bottas believes that his vast experience in the series will be an attractive factor weighing in his favour, alongside his reputation for being a “good team player”.
“The more you have experience, the more you can adapt to certain things,” Bottas continued.
“I hope that’s going to be my strength. Also, they should know I’m quite a good team player with anyone who works alongside me.”
