Almost every week since the summer break has featured new reports about Sauber’s 2025 line-up. As speculation at Sauber continues (with Kevin Magnussen entering the race for a seat), there is still no update for Valtteri Bottas. The Finn remains in the dark about his F1 future.
Bottas admits there are still question marks
For all the complexities of Formula 1, it is often the basics that make the difference.
Drivers in faster cars, inevitably, have a better chance of increasing their market value than drivers in backmarker teams.
Valtteri Bottas is experiencing this first hand, with Sauber’s 2024 challenger incapable of fighting for points.
This makes it difficult for Bottas to deliver notable performances and improve his chances of a contract extension.
Elsewhere on the grid, the likes of Franco Colapinto and Kevin Magnussen are turning heads with their top 10 finishes.
Sauber continue to evaluate
In what is becoming a weekly F1 tradition, Valtteri Bottas responded to questions about his Sauber future:
“It’s usual, when there is no confirmation there [are] questions.
“And unfortunately, [it is] the same situation this weekend. I’m still waiting, the ball is in their camp basically. I feel like I did the job in Mexico.
“At the moment I really can’t do more with this car and showcase more what I can do than what I’m doing at the moment.
“So all I can do is wait.”
An important variable to consider in this discussion is Audi’s inevitable input on Sauber’s decision-making.
The German constructor already own Sauber, as preparations are made for their official debut in 2026.
In this context, several metrics are being looked at. Short-term performance, long-term potential and marketability are all factors at play.
Although Bottas is undoubtedly an F1-calibre level driver, it is difficult for him to make waves this season.
Even Gabriel Bortoleto, F2’s current Championship leader, has a better chance of making headlines than the Finn.
Because of this, amongst many other factors, 2024 has been especially difficult campaign for Bottas. Only time will tell if he is rewarded.
