Valtteri Bottas’ Formula 1 career took an unexpected detour after he was snubbed by Sauber (soon to be Audi) for a 2025 seat. Now, the Finnish veteran has revealed that he was in deep talks with both Williams and Haas, only for those opportunities to slip through his fingers.
Bottas’ F1 Lifeline: Williams Was the Priority, But Sainz Shut the Door
Bottas was in serious discussions with Williams team boss James Vowles, hoping for a return to the team where his F1 journey began in 2013. But Carlos Sainz became Vowles’ top target, forcing Bottas out of the picture.
“We were in very deep talks with Williams for a long time. That became my priority,” Bottas told RacingNews365.
Sainz’s arrival at Williams came with major financial backing, making him the preferred choice to partner Alex Albon for 2025.
Bottas then turned to Haas as a possible option, but that door quickly closed as well.
“Earlier in the year, we were in talks with [Haas boss] Ayao Komatsu,” Bottas revealed.
“But I decided to put more eggs in the Williams basket… Then that didn’t happen because of Carlos and what he brings to the team financially.”
Sauber Snub: Bottas Thought His Audi Future Was Secure—Until It Wasn’t
With Williams and Haas no longer an option, Bottas was left to fight for his seat at Sauber, where he had raced since 2022. He thought he had a contract renewal in place—until Audi’s internal shake-up changed everything.
- Sauber’s incoming Audi management originally wanted to keep Bottas.
- Bottas believed he would be a “pillar” of the Audi project.
- Then, out of nowhere, the team decided to sign Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto instead.
“For the board of Audi, decisions like drivers for the future need to go through them,” Bottas explained.
“Some people really wanted me, but then some people wanted a change and to bring in a young driver.”
Bottas admitted he was blindsided by the decision:
“I always got the indication, especially when Mattia [Binotto] joined, that I would be the pillar for the project.”
“I kept waiting: ‘Okay, when do we sign?’ And then it became a weekly question. When that was delayed, I understood: ‘OK, this is not going to be good for me.’”
What’s Next for Bottas? The Mercedes Safety Net
Now, Bottas finds himself back at Mercedes as a reserve driver, a position he last held before replacing Nico Rosberg in 2017.
- He will mentor 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who takes over Hamilton’s seat.
- His experience could be a valuable asset in Mercedes’ fight against Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren.
- He will be waiting for any opportunity to return to the grid full-time.
Final Thoughts: Did Bottas Deserve a Better Exit?
🔹 Bottas believed he had a future at Audi—until he didn’t.
🔹 His Williams return was blocked by Sainz’s financial appeal.
🔹 His Haas talks fizzled out before they could turn into a deal.
🚀 Could Bottas return to the F1 grid in 2026?
🚀 Was he unfairly pushed out, or was it time for fresh talent?
🚀 Will he get another shot if Mercedes struggles with Antonelli?
One thing is certain—this isn’t how Bottas expected his F1 career to go.
