An unexpected turning point is unfolding in the world of F1 racing as Valtteri Bottas has decided to part ways with Sauber at the end of the 2024 season, potentially reuniting with Mercedes F1 in a new role. This news has stirred the F1 community and left many fans eagerly awaiting the next developments.
Bottas and Sauber: Saying Goodbye After 2024
After a successful season alongside Guanyu Zhou, where the duo delivered many impressive performances, Sauber has decided to change its strategy and announced that they would not be renewing the contracts of Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou for 2025. This decision has left many disappointed, especially given Bottas’ significant contributions to the team over the years.
What’s particularly notable is that Sauber will officially transition into Audi F1 in 2026, and the decision to sign up Gabriel Bortoleto, an up-and-coming talent, for their main lineup signals the team’s intent to build a younger, more dynamic squad moving forward.
The Secrets Behind the Split
Initially, Sauber’s press release merely mentioned “unmet conditions,” but it didn’t take long for Mattia Binotto, the Director of Audi F1, to reveal a more significant reason. According to him, the short-term nature of Bottas’ contract was the key factor preventing the renewal. There are also reports suggesting that Bottas was looking for a long-term deal, but Sauber, with plans to rebrand as Audi in 2026, only offered a one-year contract to the Finnish driver.
An Uncertain Future
Although Bottas was once a key driver for Mercedes, with 10 Grand Prix wins and two runner-up finishes in the championship, he remains humble and admits that transitioning to a backup role will be no easy feat. He shared, “A situation like this is never easy for anyone.” Having spent many years in Lewis Hamilton’s shadow at Mercedes, Bottas was unable to claim a world championship, but his talent remains undeniable.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation about Bottas joining Mercedes again. Everything is still in the negotiation and discussion phase. Meanwhile, Sauber has confirmed that they will be signing Gabriel Bortoleto, a promising young driver who is currently racing for McLaren, further signaling a new direction for the team.
