New Audi F1 Contender Sparks Speculation as Bottas Stays Tight-Lipped on Future

Audi's new F1 candidate surfaces | Valtteri Bottas remains tight-lipped about future plans

A prospective new driver is being considered to join Sauber in 2025, but Valtteri Bottas has stated that he "can't share much" regarding his future.

Franco Colapinto is staying focused and not letting rumors about a potential 2025 F1 season move to Sauber affect him.

Following his remarkable performance to secure eighth place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Williams team principal James Vowles expressed his intention to collaborate with Sauber to secure Colaptino a full-time racing seat for the upcoming season.

The only viable seat remaining on the grid is the second seat at Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026.

Red Bull has not yet revealed who will be teaming up with Yuki Tsunoda at VCARB, but it is anticipated that Liam Lawson will be chosen for the position instead of Daniel Ricciardo.

For the second spot on the Sauber team, the primary candidates are believed to be Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto.

In an interview with F1TV in Singapore, Colaptino mentioned that he is completely uncertain about what will transpire next year.

"I don't know much," he stated. "I'm part of Williams, and James provided me with a fantastic chance. I'm extremely proud of what we've accomplished together by just my second race."

"I'm not sure what will occur in 2025, but it's not something I'm currently focusing on. That's why I have managers handling the planning for the upcoming season."

"I'm not preoccupied with many things at the moment. I'm concentrating on this year and the incredible chance I've been given to compete in F1 midway through the season."

Colapinto emphasized that he’s focused on performing well in the final seven rounds and isn't concerned with what lies ahead.

"I aimed to enter Formula 1 and maintain my position. The chance that Williams provided me is incredibly unique and has been a lifelong dream for me," he said.

"I'm relishing every second, and I believe that's what truly counts. I'm uncertain about how long this will continue or if I'll be here next year… Honestly, it doesn't matter to me, and I'm not concerned with those thoughts."

Bottas’ perspective

Bottas revealed that discussions are continuing with the new Audi chief, Mattia Binotto, and suggested that a decision might be reached before the United States Grand Prix.

“We've been having discussions for some time now with Mattia since he came on board, and also with Alessandro,” he stated. “I can't divulge much information. I may have a little more insight than others, but let's concentrate on this weekend's race.”

"Fortunately, there will be a decent gap before the next race, allowing us to keep discussing things and then determine the outcome."

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