Valtteri Bottas is still awaiting a decision regarding his future in F1 as the second Sauber seat remains unfilled for the time being.
Earlier this year, Sauber confirmed they signed German driver Nico Hulkenberg for 2025 on a multi-year deal, ahead of the team’s planned Audi rebranding in 2026. The second seat, however, remains vacant, with young drivers such as F2 leader Gabriel Bortoleto and Mick Schumacher reportedly in contention. Franco Colapinto’s impressive late-season F1 debut with Williams has also drawn attention, leaving Sauber with several options to weigh up in the coming weeks.
Speaking to the media in Austin, Bottas acknowledged the possibility of being out of the sport if he fails to secure a contract, but remains optimistic as he waits for the “green light” from recently appointed Audi chief, Mattia Binotto.
“Good question!” Bottas replied when asked why no announcement was made over the extended F1 break.
“I mentioned that I was hoping before Austin for it to be sorted, but still waiting for the final decisions. I think that question is more for Mattia [Binotto] to answer rather than me.
“At the moment, I’ve got the message that there’s nothing I can do at the moment, it’s not in my hands. Trying to perform the best I can this weekend and hope that will boost things up. But that’s where we are.”
He added: “We’ve been in touch on a weekly basis and I know the terms that I’m up for. Just basically waiting for the green light.”
The former Mercedes driver feels his salary “shouldn’t be an issue” when it comes to finalising a deal.
“I think the terms we’re talking about, I think they are like they should be and I think Audi should have the budget—at least that’s the word out there!” Bottas said. “So I don’t think that should be an issue.”
He’s hoping for a definitive answer soon, in case he needs to look elsewhere before the 2025 season.
“One month ago, it was as soon as possible, but no,” Bottas said.
“Of course, from my side, eventually there will be a deadline as well, because even then looking outside of Formula 1—or other roles in Formula 1—soon it’s Christmas and then when it comes to Christmas, there’s not much availability anywhere.
“So hopefully soon. I am positive. I have been all the time, but until it’s on the paper you can’t get too confident. But honestly, I’m still positive. It’s just a shame that it’s a bit of a wait, but not much I can do.”
He continued: “The situation I’m in now, with only one seat available, of course there is a risk.
“I love Formula 1 and I want to race in Formula 1, so naturally it’s a bit of an odd situation, but that’s where we are.”
Bottas lamented that it’s difficult to showcase your talent when the car is not competitive. Sauber has been languishing at the back of the grid this year, and as of the Singapore Grand Prix, are the only team with no points to their name.
“I don’t want the headline ‘frustrated’, that’s a hard word, but it’s tough,” he said.
“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, they tend to look at the results.
“It’s not at the moment easy to shine, let’s say. I’ve just got to trust Mattia. He knows what he will get from me.”
For his part, Bottas believes he would be an asset for the Audi/Sauber outfit in its transitional period.
“I have lots of time to think about different things, but still I’m always positive, or I stay positive, because I really feel and believe that I should be in that seat.
“I feel like I would be best for the interest of the team, so that’s why I’m staying positive.
“Like I said, there’s not much more I can do now other than performing on the track and working out.”
