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Formula 1: Valtteri Bottas has ‘exciting conversations’ for 2025 seat

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Formula 1: Valtteri Bottas has 'exciting conversations' for 2025 seat

As a longtime Formula 1 enthusiast with a soft spot for the underdog teams, I can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement about the potential return of Valtteri Bottas to Sauber for the 2025 season. With his impressive 10 career Grand Prix victories and wealth of experience, he would undoubtedly be an asset to the team as they prepare for the Audi era in 2026.

For the 2025 Formula 1 season, Valtteri Bottas’s seat at Sauber remains one of the two positions yet to be filled with a confirmed driver. Given that Bottas is an active racer with ten career Grand Prix victories under his belt, making him the fourth-most successful driver on the current circuit, he continues to be strongly considered for another season with the team in 2025.

It’s been verified that Nico Hulkenberg will be joining the team, likely serving as a key figure during the complete shift to Audi, which is expected to happen in 2026 when the new rules and guidelines take place.

Hulkenberg is set to take over from Zhou Guanyu in the team. They might choose to partner him with an up-and-coming driver like Franco Colapinto or Gabriel Bortoleto, or go for two experienced drivers to guide the team during their transition into the Audi era. Alternatively, they could bring in Bottas on a one-year contract and reevaluate the situation closer to when Audi takes control.

Bottas has announced that he’s discussed various options for the year 2025, likely including some not tied to Formula 1.

As I chat with Beyond the Flag, I’m eager to share that my blueprint for 2025 is still under construction. There have been some truly thrilling and invigorating discussions taking place, but for now, I’m afraid I can only hint at the details.

If Bottas can’t manage a comeback with Sauber, IndyCar might be one of his potential options. However, the available seats on the recently expanded 27-team IndyCar grid are being snapped up gradually too.

In an earlier interview, Bottas told us that he does plan to be back behind the wheel next year.

First and foremost, Formula 1 remains my top focus, but rest assured, you’ll find me competing in some kind of race, so there’s no need to fret about it.

Currently, what matters most for Sauber is to consistently strive for improvement in every race, according to Bottas, who are currently in last position (10th) in the constructors’ standings without any points to their name.

In the previous season, we managed to score points in Qatar, and our aim is to achieve a comparable feat once more this year. With the team putting in an enormous effort, scoring points is our way of acknowledging their tireless dedication.

Additionally, he talked about the anticipated comeback of Formula 1 in Las Vegas, slated for the weekend preceding Thanksgiving.

He confessed that last year in Las Vegas, he was unwell and thus missed out on enjoying the event as fully as he desired. It was certainly a distinct situation. However, this time around, he hopes to immerse himself completely in the experience.

Regardless of Bottas moving back to Sauber next year, he won’t be partnered with Zhou. Ever since his debut in Formula 1 in 2022, Bottas has enjoyed the chance to collaborate with the 25-year-old Chinese driver, often adopting a more experienced, guiding role during their three seasons together.

Over the last three seasons, it’s been fantastic collaborating with Zhou, Bottas noted. He has observed significant growth in Zhou, not just as a racer but also personally. The discussions we’ve shared and the insights he offers are highly appreciated by me.

Additionally, he linked this connection to his and Sauber’s collaboration with WhistlePig Whiskey, which he elaborated on further in a different piece.

Valtteri Bottas expressed that it’s beneficial to view things from multiple angles. He and his teammate are distinct individuals hailing from diverse regions, yet their shared passion for racing has bridged their connection. He is genuinely grateful for their friendship.

He collaborated with WhistlePig the previous year on a special, limited-edition PiggyBack Rye that underwent wind-tunnel testing. In essence, I’ve taken a similar path in this regard!

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2024-10-23 16:02

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