Valtteri Bottas has disclosed that remaining with Sauber in Formula 1 in 2025 is a viable option, but admits that he wants to be with a team “where I have the respect”.
Sauber’s decision to sign Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg as it prepares to evolve into a works Audi setup in 2025 means that one of the side’s current drivers will be replaced.
However, Sauber/Audi is known to have been leaning towards introducing an all-new driver line-up, with outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz having topped its options.
But with the Spaniard opting to pen a multi-term deal with Williams, Sauber has been made to reassess the dwindling names that remain on the current driver market.
Sainz’s impending move to Williams has scuppered Bottas’ hopes of taking that seat, while Alpine is poised to announce that Jack Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon.
The Finn’s sole chance at remaining on the grid appears to be with his current team, which has undergone a change with ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto now in charge.
Bottas, who has admitted that Binotto’s arrival will “reset” his talks with Sauber, is hoping that an outcome on his prospects will occur prior to the campaign resuming.
“I don’t have a clear answer,” Bottas, who was considered to be Williams’ backup choice, told media including Motorsport Week at last month’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
“I’m getting to the point that, hopefully, sooner than later, as everyone knows, if things drag on after the August break, it can start to become quite nerve-racking.”
Bottas, who was sprung with a shock race engineer change earlier this term, has insisted that the planned transition to Audi has been detrimental to Sauber’s results.
The Hinwil-based squad has endured a tumultuous campaign on the track as it stands as the sole team on the grid that hasn’t scored a single point across 14 rounds.
However, the ex-Mercedes driver has expressed that he would be willing to extend his relationship with the side past this season should that be a feasible proposition.
Asked whether he considered it realistic that he could stick with Sauber in 2025, Bottas responded: “Yes. I think this option is still there.
But with Sauber having not prioritised retaining Bottas in initial discussions, he has warned that he desires to be in an environment where his efforts are appreciated.
“It’s part of the business, for sure,” he added. “But also, I want to be in a place where I have respect, where all the people know what I can achieve and give to the team.”
