Valtteri Bottas has revealed that he could impose a “hard deadline” on receiving a verdict from Sauber over whether he’ll continue with the team in Formula 1 in 2025.
Bottas’ place on the grid past this season remains undetermined as Sauber continues to mull over who should take the seat alongside the incoming Nico Hulkenberg.
However, Bottas divulged in the United States earlier this month that he has agreed terms on a potential extension and he is now awaiting the green light from Sauber.
But while he’s confident about retaining his spot, Bottas is adamant that he wants a decision soon to avoid being in a precarious position should Sauber overlook him.
Asked how long an outcome might take, Bottas told media including Motorsport Week in Austin: “Well, one month ago, it was as soon as possible.
“So, of course there, from my side, eventually there will be a hard deadline as well.
“Looking outside of Formula 1 or other roles in Formula 1, soon it’s Christmas, and then when it comes Christmas, there’s not much availability anywhere. So, hopefully soon.”
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Sauber woes making it hard to ‘shine’
Bottas’ strive to prove his worth to Sauber’s new regime as it prepares to morph into Audi in 2026 has been complicated by the side’s persistent struggles this season.
With four rounds remaining, the Hinwil-based squad remains the sole team on the grid that hasn’t scored a point as its C44 car has regularly languished near the back.
The Finn, a 10-time F1 race victor, has conceded that Sauber’s woes have made it a bigger challenge to stake his claim to new Sauber Motorsport boss Mattia Binotto.
“I don’t want the headline ‘frustrated Bottas’, you know, but it’s tough,” he admitted. “It’s the name of the game in this sport.
“If you don’t have the car, it’s really difficult to show what you can do.
“And also, for people making decisions in a big company, you know, they, they tend to look at the results.
“So, it’s not at the moment easy to shine, let’s say, but just got to trust Mattia. He knows what he will get from me. So, I just need to trust that, that he knows.”
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Bottas involved in Audi discussions
Bottas has dismissed the notion that his uncertain prospects have prompted Binotto to withhold details about Audi’s imminent arrival when F1’s regulations are reset.
“With Mattia, we’ve already built a good relationship, both, obviously, about my future, but also technical talks,” he added. “So I’ve been in the loop for everything so far.”
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