Valtteri Bottas has said his preference for 2025 and beyond is to secure a long-term Formula 1 contract and is putting that ahead of car performance as he looks to secure a seat on next year’s grid.
Sauber has confirmed Nico Hulkenberg as one of its drivers in 2025 as it builds toward a future as the Audi works entry.
The Hinwil-based outfit has made no secret it is chasing Carlos Sainz to complete its lineup, leaving Bottas to consider his options moving forward.
“When you’re in a situation that you are on the free market, let’s say, you’re always looking around,” Bottas told media at Imola on Thursday.
“So, for a while now it’s been different directions, not just one direction because you can’t rely on one option only.
“Discussions have been going on for some time in different directions. Some progress is being made.”
Bottas is clear in what he requires from his future employer when deciding his future.
“I need a long-term project,” he said.
“With clear goals, and with respect for what I can do and deliver. That’s really the main thing.
“Obviously, the faster the car the better. But the main thing is to have that security for years ahead, but we can work together for the goals that we set.”
Bottas is no stranger to short-term deals with the latter half of his Mercedes tenure revolving around rolling one-year extensions.
Mercedes of course, has a seat open next year but it’s obvious the Brackley-based squad has its eye on warming that seat up for teen sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
As such, Bottas reiterated that “my preference is a long-term deal” over a return to the Mercedes squad.
Antonelli isn’t the only Formula 2 driver hotly tipped for a future on the F1 grid, with Oliver Bearman a star candidate to line up with Haas next year.
With that being said, there’s potential for two drivers to lose their place on the grid, but Bottas is confident he isn’t at risk of that.
When asked is he’s worried about losing his place in F1, Bottas replied with “no,” but added, “Well, in this sport 100% sure doesn’t exist. I still don’t have a contract signed. So, I can’t say 100%.”
As a multiple GP winner, Bottas has the required experience to back up his bid to continue in F1.
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