Sauber encountered a very disappointing weekend at Zandvoort, where the C44 emerged to be the slowest car on track. Despite being able to challenge Alpine and Williams at the start of the season, they now occupy the last place in the championship table.
The team is not particularly confident about the gains in performance they can make to overtake Williams this season with nine races and three sprints to go. However, they are optimistic that the structural overhaul and changes in leadership will steer them back on the right track in 2025.
Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas spoke highly of Mattia Binotto and reiterated that his previous experience of leading a top team like Ferrari will benefit Sauber considerably next year. He also opened up about the options he has regarding his future in Formula 1 and how he hopes to manage his expectations.
When asked if his negotiations with Audi regarding a contract have advanced, Bottas admitted that despite some progress, their recent discussions have primarily pertained to performance on track and the development of the car.
“We continued the discussions this week. I was at the factory on Tuesday, making progress. We’re not going to sign contracts here. We’re here to race, to focus on bouncing back after a difficult weekend. And then there’s always next week.”
In a very candid manner, the Finn also admitted that his options are currently limited and that he has entertained the possibility of being on the sidelines next year. However, he confidently added that he expects to find himself racing in a different series if the doors of F1 are closed to him.
“Options are limited for me. That’s how it is. So of course it has crossed my mind. And I’ve had to think what if I’m not in Formula 1.
“But I think it’s still too early to think about that for the next years ahead. I’ll be always racing something. I love racing. So that’s what I’ve done all my life. And for sure I won’t just stay on the beach.”
The media was eager to know the extent to which his discussions with Binotto had progressed. Bottas confessed that joining a works team on a long-term project is quite appealing to him. He sounded optimistic that Binotto is aware of his potential and what he can bring to the table. However, the ten-time race winner refused to reveal more details at the moment.
“I think I mentioned before. We started the discussions with good respect, and in a positive way. I think he really understands what he can get out of me for the team. So that’s a good thing for me obviously.
“And if I can get involved into a project for the years ahead, which is an interesting project, a car manufacturer, then I’m interested as well. So I think there’s interest on both ways. We’ve made some progress. But I don’t want to give anything more than that.”
Given that the German car manufacturer is set to take over Sauber in 2026, Bottas was asked to clarify whether he is only looking for a multi-year contract. He confirmed that he is not interested in a short-term deal. Considering the stage he is in with regard to his F1 career, the 35-year-old declared that he desires to have a concise plan in advance for his remaining years in the sport.
“I’m only interested in a multi-year contract. Because for me doing just one year, I know that still next year probably won’t be easy. For my career that’s not that interesting.
“So for me the main thing is to be part of a clear project, and to have a clear plan for the years ahead. That’s I think at my stage of my career, I think that’s important.”
