Bottas Awaits Audi Decision: F1 Future Hangs in the Balance as Sauber Considers Options

The decision regarding Valtteri Bottas' continuation in Formula 1 will be made within the coming weeks as Audi considers its choices.

A representative from the Sauber Formula 1 team, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, has indicated that Audi is expected to finalize their driver selection for the 2025 season in the upcoming weeks.

Audi is still considering their choices for the upcoming year, leaving Valtteri Bottas unsure about his future in F1.

Before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix taking place this weekend, Bottas suggested he is expected to remain with Sauber for the upcoming season, but he also mentioned IndyCar as a potential option should his Formula 1 journey conclude.

McLaren's rising star Gabriel Bortoleto is considered a potential replacement for Bottas if Audi is seeking a fresh, promising talent for their team.

The choice will fall to Mattia Binotto, who took on the role of leader for the Audi F1 initiative in July.

In response to inquiries regarding the driver dynamics during the FIA press briefing on Friday, Bravi mentioned: "This is essentially the evaluation that Mattia has recently commenced, having begun merely a fortnight ago. We've previously mentioned in Monza that he's assuming responsibility for these choices, with driver decisions being among the most critical."

"We're examining every possibility to determine the optimal mix between immediate performance and future prospects, including potentially younger talent. There are viable choices in both categories. Valtteri has proven to be a valuable asset to our team, and we're quite familiar with his capabilities."

"He has already spent three years as part of the team. Indeed, he remains a priority for us, yet there are other possibilities we're considering. We're evaluating all the advantages and disadvantages. Mattia will make a decision that reflects not just the plans for 2025 but also the broader strategy for the Audi F1 initiative in the medium to long term."

The remaining open spot for a driver next to Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber is the sole unclaimed position for the upcoming season.

Alpine has recently brought Jack Doohan on board following their unsuccessful bid for Carlos Sainz, who went to Williams, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli's signing with Mercedes was officially announced at the Italian Grand Prix.

Bravi hinted that a declaration is expected to be made within the coming weeks.

"He emphasized that the timeline isn't the priority. The focus isn't on seizing any opportunity that comes along. Given that there's just a single slot open, the intention is to proceed thoughtfully. The goal is to thoroughly evaluate every factor before making an informed choice. While there's no urgency, the aim is to finalize this decision quickly, likely within the coming weeks."

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