Valtteri Bottas has conceded that Mattia Binotto’s appointment to head Audi’s Formula 1 venture will provide a “reset” to discussions regarding his future with Sauber.
Audi announced earlier this week that CEO Andreas Seidl and Chief Representative Oliver Hoffmann have departed to hand the reins to erstwhile Ferrari boss Binotto.
Binotto, who hasn’t been involved in F1 since exiting Ferrari in 2022, has been hired as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer to guide Sauber’s transition to Audi.
Bottas has proclaimed that the news came as a surprise to him, as Sauber endeavours to accelerate the German marque’s impending entrance into the series in 2026.
“Yeah, quite sudden news,” Bottas said.
“I believe everything happened pretty quickly, but obviously those high-level decisions, we as drivers and many of the team members don’t know really what’s going on behind the scenes.
“But quite unexpected, but obviously welcoming Mattia to the team. And at the same time, I want to thank Mr Seidl and Mr Hoffman for their contribution to the team.”
Among the decisions that Binotto will be required to make is determining who will partner alongside the incoming Nico Hulkenberg, who has signed a multi-term deal.
Bottas and current team-mate Guanyu Zhou’s contracts will expire once this season concludes and it’s known that Sauber is courting Carlos Sainz’s coveted services.
But while the Finn seemed certain to be heading towards the exit door, Bottas has admitted Binotto’s imminent arrival will prompt renewed discussions with the team.
“It is going to reset a bit the talks, because we have previously been in communication with Andreas and Oliver,” he explained.
“And now it’s Mattia, who will officially start next week, I believe. So yeah, for sure that will change some things, so we need to… We need to speak.”
Bottas has acknowledged that an outcome with Sainz’s future is continuing to hold up the driver market as he considers proposals from Alpine, Sauber and Williams.
However, the 10-time F1 race winner, who has been linked with a return to Williams, has again hinted that he’s not reliant on the Spaniard’s choice to finalise his plans.
“I think the big part of the remaining driver market is waiting for Carlos’ move. That’s no lie,” he added.
“But also not completely relying on that. It’s a bit of a complicated situation, but let’s see. I’m sure the cork will pop at some point.”
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