Sauber driver Valterri Bottas spoke on Thursday on his future in Formula 1, and how things could potentially go as the summer break approaches.
Outgoing Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is still undecided regarding the final signature on his future.
Bottas was asked if he is still waiting for the 3-time Grand Prix to make a decision, stating that he doesn’t think that all the teams interested in the Spaniard’s services are going to wait for him.
The 34-year-old Finn is favourite for the Williams seat if Sainz chooses another drive for next year.
Bottas also admitted he had hoped things would be sorted by now, with the options on next year’s grid slowly reducing.
“Still waiting. Maybe for Carlos, but maybe not. At some point, I don’t think everyone is going to wait for him, but I’m still waiting for something.
“If I’m honest, I was hoping that things would be sorted before this weekend, because there was a weekend off, but I’m still going to wait for a bit, but I don’t have a clear answer.
“Obviously for me, I’m getting to the point that hopefully sooner than later [things are sorted]. As everyone knows, if things drag on until August break, it can start to become quite nerve-wracking.
Pushed on whether it was realistic that he could stay in Sauber and partner Nico Hülkenberg next year, the Finnish driver is confident it’s a possibility.
“Yes. I think it’s still an option.”
Regarding 2025 and beyond, the driver from Nastola says it’s important for him to be in an environment where he is respected and appreciated.
He says Sauber/Audi not re-signing him (yet) is part of the game in Formula 1.
“Part of the business, for sure. But I want to be in a place where I have the respect and let the people know what I can achieve and give to the team.“
Asked if a fresh challenge would be appealing for him, he says it would come down to how good the opportunity is.
“Could be, depending on the project.”
