Valtteri Bottas has hinted that Williams has moved on from an attempt to sign Carlos Sainz for the 2025 Formula 1 season as he cited that teams’ “priorities change”.
Williams boss James Vowles has been clear that outgoing Ferrari driver Sainz is his main target and it was believed an agreement between the two parties was close.
But Alpine entering the frame over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend last month has prompted Sainz to protract his decision, while Mercedes also hasn’t ruled him out.
Rumours have circulated that Williams is cautious about waiting too long and missing out on other names, as Vowles has admitted that he wants a committed driver.
Bottas is known to be among the back-up options that Williams is considering and he was spotted holding talks with Vowles in the Silverstone paddock last weekend.
The Finn, who seems set to depart Sauber once this season concludes, has revealed that discussions regarding his F1 prospects are proceeding in the right direction.
“I feel things are starting to progress and get closer, I think, in a good way, hopefully,” he said. “But, still have nothing to announce here and nothing has been signed.”
Bottas has insisted on several occasions that he is “99 per cent” certain that he will be back on the F1 grid next season and his optimistic stance remains unchanged.
“Yes, I think I’m in a good position,” he reiterated.
“I feel like some people in the paddock still, luckily, know what I can do, what are my strengths to be part of a team. But it takes time finalising things.”
Bottas has agreed that having worked with Vowles during his entire stint at Mercedes between 2017 and 2020 will bolster his chances of earning a return to Williams.
“For sure he knows that and it helps when you work with people that know what you can do, like I said,” he continued regarding Vowles understanding his capabilities.
Bottas has denied that continuous wait has become a “frustrating” experience as he acknowledged that he has been in this situation during his period with Mercedes.
“It’s not frustrating. It’s actually exciting,” he contended. “I mean, it’s part of the sport and we’re actually still in July.
“I’ve been in situation before that. I’ve had to wait until September or October. So, I think we’re still in a decent situation.
“If you would ask me in October, if we’re in this situation, then it may be starting to get frustrating, but in July, not really.”
He added: “Sometimes that’s how it goes. And I think I mentioned last week, and it’s in this sport, it’s not always about pure performance, either.
“There’s many elements that decides the team’s priorities. So, it’s part of the game.”
Bottas then indicated that it was no longer a guarantee that he is waiting for Sainz to decide on his 2025 switch to finalise his own plans past the ongoing campaign.
Asked whether he was still waiting on one individual to make his move, Bottas replied: “It’s difficult to answer that. I don’t know what to say, though.
“I’m still kind of waiting kind of not. Maybe not. Maybe that’s the best answer…”
When it was put to him that a team’s patience could run out when an outcome is not forthcoming, Bottas suggested that Williams has begun to explore alternatives.
“And I guess sometimes the teams that are waiting for a decision, their priorities might change at some point, as well,” he explained.
The 10-time F1 race winner hopes that an announcement can be made prior to the summer break as he outlined that his intention is to secure a multi-term contract.
“I’ve made sure with the talks that I have that I want clear goals for the years ahead, a clear project that I can be part of and work for together, and I’m ready to commit,” he explained.
“Again, I’ve got my priorities in order. I hope that puts me in a strong position.”
