Valtteri Bottas began the season with confidence he would remain on the grid for 2025. However, Alpine’s Jack Doohan announcement has closed yet another door for the 10-time race winner. Bottas understands his situation is far from ideal as contract negotiations with Audi advance.
Bottas running out of options
The Finn has been linked to several midfield teams throughout 2024. At one stage, Bottas was a front-runner to join Williams and drive alongside Alex Albon.
Unfortunately for Bottas, other big names in the market (most notably Carlos Sainz) have complicated his chances.
Even before the season opener in Bahrain, the 34-year-old left no doubt about his priorities. Securing a long-term contract with a team that saw him as central to their project was the objective.
However, Bottas might need to become more open to a short-term contract.
Speaking to the media in Zandvoort, the Sauber driver revealed the current state of negotiations:
“Like I mentioned in Spa, that kind of reset the talks that I’ve had with the team.
“We did catch up with Mattia after Spa and we did continue the discussions this week,” Valtteri Bottas outlined.
“It just means there’s one big [piece] of the puzzle has been sorted with Carlos. Now obviously, [I am] discussing with Mattia.
“That’s where I want to be and stay for the long term. I think now it makes things slightly more straightforward, let’s say. There’s less variables around.
“I’ve got a clear direction now for me, which is to be part of the Audi project, so let’s see.”
F2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto is now strongly linked to the Swiss outfit. The 19-year-old is managed by Fernando Alonso, who is working to give the Brazilian a place in Formula 1.
This complicates things for Valtteri Bottas, who faces immense competition to keep his position.
With that said, the Finn has the luxury of delivering performances behind the wheel to tip the scales.
