Valtteri Bottas has revealed that extending his contract with Sauber as it builds towards Audi’s impending arrival remains an option for his Formula 1 future into 2025.
Sauber’s choice to sign Nico Hulkenberg on a multi-term deal has ensured that either Bottas or team-mate Zhou Guanyu will depart the side at the end of this season.
But the Hinwil-based squad has stated that outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is the top candidate for the other seat and it’s believed he has a proposal on the table.
However, the Spaniard is engaged in conversations with Williams and a possible deal would come as a blow to Bottas, who has also been talking with his former side.
Despite Sauber/Audi leaning towards wanting an all-new driver line-up next season, Bottas has divulged that he would be prepared to remain should the chance arise.
Asked about the uncertain situation at Sauber as it prepares to transition into Audi in 2026, Bottas suggested that he couldn’t afford to hedge all his bets on one team.
“I feel like at the moment, they want quite a lot of change in the team, probably,” Bottas told the media.
“Same thing with the driver line-up. That’s my how I read the situation, but they are willing to wait for a long time – but I can’t forever.
“So this team is definitely still an option, but I don’t think I have the time to wait for too long. So that’s why I want to speed things up.
“But, of course, I was personally and what I’ve been communicated within the last 12 months or so, I was always going to be part of the project, but things have been a bit more quiet lately.
“So that’s why I need to try and read the situation and kind of do my thing.”
Despite developments continuing to ramp up in the driver market, Bottas remains at ease over his prospects and is convinced that he will remain on the grid in 2025.
“I’m confident I’m going to get a seat,” Bottas added. “But obviously in this sport nothing is confirmed, so it’s never 100 per cent sure until you’re signed.
“But at least how I see the situation at the moment, I’m not worrying. But it should be an interesting week or two ahead for sure.
“It’s something you get used to, obviously, it’s a way more comfortable feeling if you know what is happening.
“But at the same time, it’s kind of exciting, a kind of certain element of unknowns.
“There could be something new and exciting on the way. That’s kind of nice. But [I] just need to live with the situation.”
Meanwhile, 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has touted that Bottas should return to Mercedes to replace his ex-team-mate Lewis Hamilton for one season.
However, the German marque, which Bottas represented between 2017 and 2021, seems set to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 17, to partner George Russell in 2025.
“I guess Bottas will go to Mercedes,” Villeneuve suggested.
“They want a driver for one year. So who do they take? They take a driver who will take a one-year deal, knows the team, experience and prepares the seat for Antonelli.
“And then Toto will have to pay a team to put Antonelli somewhere for a year.”
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