Valtteri Bottas is fighting for his F1 career, as fewer and fewer seats remain on next year’s grid. He is still in contention for a new contract, with Sauber undecided on next year’s line-up. Still, Bottas finds himself in a position he wanted to avoid at the start of 2024.
Bottas only has one path to stay in F1
Sauber Negotiations continue
At the beginning of the season, Bottas repeated a familiar line as the driver market showed its first signs of life.
Much like in previous years, he emphasised the importance of securing a multi-year deal.
Following years of uncertain one-year deals at Mercedes, the Finn has prioritised long-term agreements since leaving Brackley.
It is partly because Sauber offered Bottas a longer contract that he joined the team in 2022.
Of course, the situation at Hinwil is very different today.
Audi are overseeing changes ahead of the 2026 regulations, with Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley arriving as the team’s new leadership.
Bottas has spoken to Binotto about a renewal, which the Finn revealed after the summer break.
However, as reported by LWOS, there are a plethora of other drivers under consideration.
This complicates things for Bottas, especially since Sauber’s C44 makes it difficult to deliver eye-catching performances.
Competition brings uncertainty
Before the first dominos began to fall in the market, Valtteri Bottas was linked to a few teams.
Williams were initially seen as a realistic destination for the Finn, although Carlos Sainz’s availability prevented a potential move.
Alpine were another team reportedly considering his services but instead opted to give Jack Doohan an opportunity – a decision partly influenced by their lack of competitiveness.
In any case, there is only one realistic option left for Bottas.
The 35-year-old’s issue is that, as shown on numerous occasions, he is not Sauber’s priority.
After all, the team elected to sign Nico Hulkenberg before anyone else.
Audi are understood to be considering other young drivers to drive alongside the German veteran.
Gabriel Bortoleto is among them, though Robert Shwartzman’s surprise FP1 appearance in Zandvoort is evidence that Sauber have a very extensive shortlist.
Even in a best-case scenario for Bottas, a new contract with Hinwil is unlikely to be the long-term deal he prefers.
However, should things go against the former Mercedes driver, continuing in F1 next season could become an impossibility.
At least for now, his future in the paddock is hanging by a thread.
