Valtteri Bottas is about to extend his contract with the Sauber team, once it is acquired by Audi in 2026. The Finnish driver, who has been racing for Sauber since 2022, will see his current contract expire at the end of the 2024 season. However, he has expressed his interest in driving for Audi after the acquisition. Bottas is not the only driver rumored to be on Audi’s radar, other drivers are also on the list of the $70 billion automotive giant.
The acquisition of Sauber by Audi, scheduled for 2026, has caught the attention of several drivers on the grid. Bottas has also shown interest in joining Audi, but to do so, he would need to maintain his contract with Sauber until 2026. The 34-year-old driver has found himself in a similar situation before, with his contract at Mercedes coming to an end. However, his focus remains on performing at his best and securing more contracts within the team. Bottas is determined to stay with Sauber and strive for better results.
Bottas sees the Audi project as a significant opportunity for his career. The entry of a major manufacturer into the sport is something he considers important. While Audi’s arrival is his priority, Bottas also recognizes future opportunities in the driver market. With Audi’s entry into the sport, there will be a variety of options for drivers to consider.
Having been in Formula 1 since 2013 and achieved ten race wins, Bottas has had a decent career in the sport. However, he aims to achieve even better results and stay in the sport for as long as Fernando Alonso. He believes it is crucial to commit to a team without distractions from other teams. Therefore, Bottas is looking to secure a long-term contract with any team on the grid, preferably with Audi. To do so, he must maintain a positive image within Sauber before Audi’s arrival.
Only time will tell how Bottas’ contractual situation will unfold. At the moment, he could secure another multi-year contract with Sauber. However, with the driver market opening up, he will need to deliver the best possible results to solidify his position within the team.
