Valtteri Bottas Spills the Beans: ‘I Was Thrilled to Leave Sauber!’
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 community, Valtteri Bottas has candidly admitted that he was more than just relieved to bid farewell to his time with Sauber—now known as Audi. The Finnish racing sensation, gearing up for his fourth F1 team as Cadillac joins the grid for the 2026 season, has made headlines not only for his upcoming comeback after a year-long sabbatical but also for his unfiltered honesty about his previous stints in the sport.
Bottas, who faced a disheartening final season with Sauber—failing to score a single point—was recently a guest on the popular show Hot Ones Versus, where he had a spicy exchange with new teammate Sergio Perez. In a moment that felt like a reality check for fans and followers alike, Perez threw a pointed question at Bottas: “You have been part of five F1 teams, which one were you the most excited to leave?”
With a choice between dodging the question or facing the heat (literally), Bottas decided to step up and answer. “I’m an honest man,” he stated, setting the stage for a candid confession. He reflected on the nuances of team dynamics and departure circumstances but was quickly urged by Perez to cut through the ambiguity. And that’s when Bottas dropped the bombshell: “Sauber—I was quite happy to leave at the end because of the circumstances, but I had some good memories too.”
This declaration doesn’t just spotlight Bottas’s feelings about Sauber; it also unveils a deeper narrative about the pressures and challenges drivers face in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. As Bottas prepares to take the wheel for Cadillac, his frankness about a lackluster period in his career is both refreshing and revealing, laying bare the emotional toll that the sport can exact on its athletes.
For fans and analysts alike, Bottas’s comments raise questions about the inner workings of teams and the mental resilience needed to navigate the tumultuous F1 landscape. Will his new chapter with Cadillac mark a turning point? Or will the shadows of his past linger as he embarks on this exciting new journey? One thing’s for sure: Bottas’s readiness to speak openly about his experiences is a game-changer, paving the way for a more transparent dialogue within the racing community.
Stay tuned as Valtteri Bottas gears up for what promises to be a thrilling season ahead—one filled with the potential for redemption and glory.








