Valtteri Bottas is negotiating with several F1 teams for 2025, especially following Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg announcement. Although Bottas is performing at a reasonable level for Sauber, it is essential that he explores other options. The Swiss team is looking across the field, including drivers like Carlos Sainz, to complete next year’s line-up.
Speaking of the Spaniard, there has been speculation that Sainz rejected Audi’s offer. He denied these claims today, making clear to the media in Miami that nothing is finalised. The three-time race winner is still keeping his options open.
Regardless of how enthusiastic Andreas Seidl is about acquiring the 29-year-old’s services, one thing is clear. Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are at risk of losing their seats. This is a scenario both drivers undoubtedly envisioned, owing to the extensive links between Hulkenberg and Audi – which have been discussed since 2023.
Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber
BOTTAS REVEALS 2025 NEGOTIATIONS
Speaking to the media in Florida, Bottas explained that he is exploring his options. The 10-time winner was asked for his reaction to last week’s driver announcement whilst also shedding light on his current situation:
“Of course, the timing is quite early [to announce Hulkenberg], and a little bit surprising.
“But the driver market is starting to move, obviously. It also kind of makes sense, he’s German and Audi have made clear they want a German driver.
“I’m obviously speaking to multiple teams. Some talks have advanced more than others. So, we’ll see.”
There are several teams, from Mercedes at the front to Alpine at the back, actively participating in the market. As it stands, Bottas is likely an attractive option to teams in the field – with Williams emerging as a logical destination.
The Grove-based team is still waiting for Logan Sargeant to make a step forward and match the efforts of teammate Alex Albon. Unless the American progresses quickly, it seems logical that James Vowles considers alternatives. Reports indicate this is already happening, with Valtteri Bottas among those on the radar.
