F1: Bottas Calls Future Talks 'Complicated', Expects Reset on Contract Extension with Binotto's Arrival

Valtteri Bottas admits that Mattia Binotto's return to F1 with Audi will impact his future talks at Sauber, as his contract expires this season, and Nico Hulkenberg joins Sauber next year.

Valtteri Bottas' Formula 1 future is now uncertain following major changes within Audi's F1 team. The German automaker's ambitious plans have faced challenges with the departure of team principal Andreas Seidl and the removal of chairman Oliver Hoffmann. In their place, Mattia Binotto, formerly of Ferrari, has taken the reins, signalling a new direction for Audi. This shake-up has created a complicated situation for Bottas. While he wants to continue in Formula 1, his contract talks with Sauber had stalled under the previous management. With Binotto's arrival, Bottas has a chance for a fresh start in these negotiations. As Sauber prepares for its Audi-backed future, Nico Hülkenberg has already secured one seat, leaving the other up for grabs. Bottas and his teammate Zhou Guanyu will soon enter crucial discussions with Binotto to determine who will join Hülkenberg in 2026. The outcome of these talks will play a key role in shaping the future of both drivers' careers. With competition for seats in Formula 1 heating up, Bottas will need to make a strong case to secure his spot on the grid beyond the 2025 season. The pressure is on for him to impress Binotto and ensure his place in the sport.

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Bottas said during the Belgium GP weekend, 'It is going to reset a bit the talks, because we have previously been in communication with Andreas and Oliver, and now it’s Mattia. For sure that will change some things, so we need to speak. It’s a bit of a complicated situation, but let’s see.'

F1: Driver Market

Sauber is the only team yet to score points after 13 races, creating uncertainty about the futures of Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas beyond 2024.

F1 Sauber Drivers Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou

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The team has secured Nico Hulkenberg from Haas but faces difficulties in signing Carlos Sainz from Ferrari, who is set to be replaced by Lewis Hamilton next year. Concerns about Audi’s 2026 engine and Sauber’s current poor performance have raised doubts about Sainz’s potential move. Meanwhile, Renault-owned Alpine has shown interest in Sainz and recently hired Flavio Briatore as a consultant.