Valtteri Bottas is still waiting for a call on his future in the Sauber/Audi Formula 1 team camp, but the Finn remains positive in the face of what he calls an “odd situation.”
Bottas was hoping that a decision on who partners Nico Hulkenberg from 2025 would be taken before this weekend’s US GP.
However team boss Mattia Binotto is still weighing up the pros and cons of either keeping Bottas or taking a young driver, with Gabriel Bortoleto still the favourite should the call ultimately favour youth.
“I think I mentioned that I was hoping before Austin to be sorted, but I’m still waiting for the final decision,” said Bottas. “And I think that question is more for Mattia to answer, rather than me. I’ve got the message that there’s nothing I can do at the moment.
“It’s not in my hands. So of course, I’m trying to perform the best I can this week, and hope that will boost things up. But that’s where we are.”
Asked about the risks of not having a seat in 2025 he said: “The situation I’m in now, with only one seat available, of course, there is a risk. I love F1, and I want to race in F1. So naturally, it’s a bit of an odd situation, but that’s where we are.
“And, yeah, I’ve had lots of time to think about different things, but still, I’m always positive. I will stay positive. And because I really, I feel and believe that I should be in that seat, I feel like I would be best for the interest of the team.
“So that’s why I’m staying positive. And like I said, not much more I can do now, other than performing on the track, and working hard with the team.”
Bottas is hoping that a decision doesn’t take too long.
“Well, one month ago, it was as soon as possible!,” he said. “Of course from my side, eventually there will be a deadline as well, because even then, looking outside of F1, or other roles in F1, soon it’s Christmas, and then when it comes to Christmas, there’s not much availability anywhere. So, yeah, hopefully, soon.
“I am positive. I have been all the time, but until pen hits the paper, you can’t get too confident. But honestly, I’m still positive. So yeah, just a shame that it’s a bit of the wait.
“They obviously have options, but in the end, it’s going to come down to experience versus youth. So they have all the time in the world, unless at some point I need to set a hard deadline.”
Bottas insisted that a deal had been agreed in principle should he be chosen, and that there is no longer a discussion about money or contract terms.
“We’ve been in in touch on a weekly basis. And I know the terms that I’m up for, and just basically waiting for the green light.
“I think the terms we’re talking about, they are like they should be, and I think Audi should have the budget. At least that’s the word out there!”
Meanwhile having had the slowest car in the field in recent weeks Sauber has some updates for Austin.
“Actually, a few things,” said Bottas. “We’ve got a new rear suspension, new front wing, I think front suspension fairings. So it’s going to be a busy practice session before the sprint quali, and we’re hoping for an improvement.”
