Valtteri Bottas has been tight-lipped on a possible return to Mercedes next year but insists his “priority” is remaining with Sauber until Audi arrives in Formula 1 in 2026.
The Finn drove for Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton between 2017 and 2021, with the pair combining to extend Mercedes’ title run to an unprecedented eight in a row.
But while Bottas was replaced at the end of that year by George Russell, the team has been unable to maintain that success since F1’s move to ground effect cars in 2022.
That has contributed to Hamilton electing to activate a break clause in his most recent Mercedes contract to pursue a switch to Ferrari from the beginning of next season.
While Bottas admits he was surprised at the news, Hamilton’s ex-team-mate can understand how the challenge of reviving Ferrari’s fortunes would have been enticing.
Speaking at the unveiling of Sauber’s livery for the 2024 season, Bottas commented: “I never imagined it would happen but I am happy for him because it’s good for him.
“I think it is a great challenge, I am sure it is a great motivation for him to bring Ferrari to the top so it’s kind of cool.
“It will definitely create some movement for the future, which is good for the whole sport and for the drivers.”
As Mercedes commences the search for Hamilton’s replacement, a post on social media revealed that Bottas had been in Brackley recently, where Mercedes is based.
The 34-year-old, who won 10 grands prix with Mercedes, would be a logical short-term solution if the German outfit was looking for an experienced partner to place with Russell.
But when that prospect was put to him, Bottas reiterated that his main ambition is to ensure that he stays with the Hinwil-based squad until it evolves into Audi in 2026.
“It’s no lie, I was in Brackley the day before – not at the Mercedes factory, but I was there doing some other stuff,” Bottas clarified.
“No, we haven’t spoken on the phone yet with Toto. But if I would go back? Yeah… obviously my priority and biggest commitment is the Audi project, which is my target, but if that wouldn’t happen, there is no team that I wouldn’t go to, let’s say.
“But I know my priorities.”
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