Bottas Still in Contention for 2025 Sauber Seat, Team Confirms
Manish
Valtteri Bottas's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, but there's still hope for the Finnish driver to secure the final seat on the grid for the upcoming season. Alessandro Alunni Bravi, a representative of the Sauber team, has revealed that Bottas is at the "top of the list" for consideration. This news comes as the team prepares for its final season before transitioning to Audi, with Nico Hulkenberg already confirmed as one of their drivers for 2025.
The Competition for the Final Seat
While Bottas's experience makes him a strong contender, he's not the only driver in the running. Formula 2 title contender Gabriel Bortoleto has emerged as a frontrunner, especially if Sauber decides to pair Hulkenberg with a younger driver. The final decision will be made by Mattia Binotto, Audi's new chief operating and technical officer, who is currently evaluating all options to find the best balance between short-term experience and long-term potential.
Bottas's Prospects and Performance
Despite the current Sauber car's lackluster performance, with neither Bottas nor his teammate Zhou Guanyu scoring any points this season, Bottas remains optimistic about his chances. He acknowledges the unfairness of the sport, where a car's performance can greatly impact a driver's results. However, he takes comfort in the fact that Binotto is aware of his capabilities and what he can bring to the team.
The Decision Timeline
Fans and Bottas himself may not have to wait long for a decision. Bravi has indicated that an announcement could come in "a matter of the next weeks." The team is taking its time to carefully consider all options, as they have the luxury of holding the last available seat for the 2025 season. This deliberate approach allows Sauber to make a well-informed decision that aligns with their long-term strategy for the Audi F1 project.
As the Formula 1 world eagerly awaits the decision, Bottas continues to demonstrate his value and experience. Whether he secures the seat or not, his journey in F1 has been remarkable, from winning grands prix with Mercedes to potentially playing a crucial role in Sauber's transition to Audi. The coming weeks will reveal if Bottas will continue his Formula 1 career into 2025 and beyond.
