Valtteri Bottas, once a podium regular and Lewis Hamilton’s trusted teammate at Mercedes, has candidly admitted that his move to Sauber in 2022 was a misstep. The Finnish driver, who bid farewell to Sauber at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, didn’t hold back in his assessment of the team’s rapid decline over his three-year tenure.
A Promising Start That Turned Sour
After leaving Mercedes at the end of 2021, Bottas opted to join Sauber (then branded Alfa Romeo), citing clear goals and a promising trajectory under team principal Frederic Vasseur. The partnership began on a high note, with Bottas scoring a commendable fifth place at Imola in 2022 and finishing 10th in the Drivers’ Championship with 49 points.
However, the departure of Vasseur to Ferrari at the end of 2022 sent shockwaves through the team. What followed was a sharp decline in performance: Bottas managed only 10 points in 2023, and Sauber failed to score a single point throughout the 2024 season, relegating the team to the back of the grid.
Reflecting on his decision to join Sauber, Bottas said bluntly:
“No, it was a mistake. But you can’t predict the future. Everything started well in the first year, but since then, it’s been downhill. I just want to make sure my next move is a good one.”
The Role of Vasseur and the Fallout
Bottas highlighted Vasseur’s leadership as a key factor in his initial decision to join Sauber:
“Fred was a big part of why I joined. We had a clear plan and targets for the three years and how to achieve them. But those plans went out the window when he left. I don’t blame him—if you’re a team principal and you get a chance to go to Ferrari, you take it.”
Bottas also revealed that he had the option to leave Sauber when Vasseur departed but was reassured by the prospect of Audi’s arrival and promises of being a central figure in their project.
“I was told I’d be a pillar for the project. That didn’t happen, and it left me hanging.”
Missed Opportunities and What’s Next
The 35-year-old Finn admitted that Williams was another option in 2021 but chose Sauber, believing in Vasseur’s vision. Now, with no available seats on the 2025 grid, Bottas is contemplating a reserve driver role, likely at Mercedes, the team where he secured 10 Grand Prix victories and played a vital role in multiple Constructors’ Championships.
“I hope to stay involved in F1, and that’s the target,” Bottas shared.
“There could be opportunities, but I need to keep driving, get some testing, and stay sharp. Maybe we’ll have news next week—but first, I need to sign something!”
A Disappointing End for a Once-Promising Partnership
Bottas leaves Sauber amidst uncertainty and frustration. The Swiss outfit, set to become Audi’s works team in 2026, has a mountain to climb to regain competitiveness. For Bottas, the sting of unfulfilled promises and a mismanaged transition marks a tough chapter in his storied career.
With potential reserve roles and the chance to remain part of F1’s elite paddock, Bottas remains determined to stay relevant. The Finn’s candid reflection on his Sauber stint, however, serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of Formula 1.
One thing is clear: Bottas, a veteran of the sport, is not done yet—he’s just waiting for the next opportunity to show what he’s capable of.
