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Valtteri Bottas Reflects on “Mistake” of Sauber Stint, Eyes F1 Return After Brutal Audi Snub

Virgilio Machado by Virgilio Machado
December 11, 2024
in Featured Motorsports, Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Valtteri Bottas Reflects on “Mistake” of Sauber Stint, Eyes F1 Return After Brutal Audi Snub

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - November 29, 2024 Sauber's Valtteri Bottas arrives before practice REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

Valtteri Bottas did not mince words as he candidly described his three-year tenure at Sauber as a “mistake” following his painful exit from Formula 1’s Audi-backed Sauber team. Bottas, whose promising start with the Swiss-based squad in 2022 turned into a nightmare, confessed he was “relieved” to leave after a tumultuous period that ended with a crash in his final race.

A Promising Start Gone Awry

Bottas joined Sauber under its Alfa Romeo banner with optimism, backed by Frederic Vasseur’s leadership and a three-year plan aimed at building competitiveness. However, Vasseur’s departure to Ferrari at the start of 2023 derailed the team’s trajectory. Bottas went from scoring a respectable 49 points in 2022 to a winless 2024 season.

“It was a mistake, but you can’t predict the future,” Bottas admitted post-race in Abu Dhabi. “Everything started off so well in the first year, but since then, it’s been downhill.”

The Finn also revealed he had a clause allowing him to leave Sauber if Vasseur departed but decided to stay when Audi confirmed its entry into F1, expecting to play a central role in their plans.

“I was always told I would be a pillar for the project,” Bottas explained. “Well, that didn’t happen.”

A Painful Exit

Bottas’ tenure ended unceremoniously in Abu Dhabi after an unfortunate lock-up and collision with Kevin Magnussen. His performance capped a forgettable 2024 season and underscored the frustration of being sidelined for Sauber’s 2025 driver lineup, which includes Nico Hulkenberg and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.

“I’m relieved this section of my career is over,” Bottas said. “Now I’m really looking ahead and going to work hard to make the best plan of how to be back on the grid.”

From Pillar to Afterthought

Bottas’ fall from grace was marked by Audi’s internal shake-ups. Andreas Seidl, brought in as Sauber’s CEO, reportedly did not see Bottas as part of the team’s future, favoring Hulkenberg for experience and Bortoleto for youth. Mattia Binotto’s arrival as team principal in 2024 solidified the shift away from Bottas, leaving him without a seat.

“Plans and targets went into the bin when Fred [Vasseur] left,” Bottas lamented. “I don’t blame him. If you’re a team principal and have a chance to go to Ferrari, you go.”

Hope on the Horizon

Despite his dismay, Bottas remains optimistic about a return to the grid. Speculation has linked him to a reserve driver role with Mercedes, and the upcoming Cadillac F1 project for 2026 could present an opportunity for the Finn to make a comeback.

“That’s what I hope, and that’s the target,” Bottas said. “I think there will be opportunities. But for that, I still need to keep driving, make sure I get some testing, be involved.”

A Veteran’s Comeback?

As Bottas exits a challenging chapter of his career, his experience and resilience could make him a valuable asset for teams seeking a steady hand. With the Audi dream now behind him, the Finn is determined to pave a path back to F1 and prove his worth on the grid once again.

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