Despite several months of discussion, Valtteri Bottas and Sauber are yet to reach an agreement. The Finn has been trying to secure a multi-year contract with the Swiss team, but negotiations are proving very complex.
Contract talks between Bottas and Sauber stall
Speculation about Sauber’s 2025 driver line-up has gone on for several months now. As the only team without both drivers confirmed for next season, question marks continue to emerge about the future.
Valtteri Bottas is still negotiating with the Swiss team, though a contract still hasn’t been signed.
Though many factors are at play, the biggest question for Mattia Binotto is whether Audi want experience or youth. The other drivers fighting for the Sauber seat – Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto – are young talents with great potential.
In this context, Sauber must determine what their priorities are ahead of a critical transitional period.
Bottas makes the case for experience
As his future remains unknown, Valtteri Bottas told Auto Motor und Sport why Sauber should retain his services:
“I know Nico [Hulkenberg] well because we meet often during our travels,” he is quoted as saying.
“He also lives in Monte Carlo like me and I think we would make a good pairing.
“In my opinion, the team needs experience at the moment and that obviously means having two experienced drivers as well.
“It would work well, and I think I would enjoy working with him.”
After the Singapore GP, the consensus was that Sauber would make a final choice on their 2025 line-up.
However, despite having a large window to put pen to paper, the Hinwil-based team are still weighing up their options.
Considering that Bottas’ abilities are well established, it seems unlikely they are waiting for a performance in the next few races to influence their verdict. It isn’t as though the C44 is a competitive machine anyway.
Whatever the reason may be, Sauber are still unsure about how to move forward with their drivers.
