It is now official: Sauber and Valtteri Bottas will go their separate ways at the end of the season, after three years together. The Finnish driver, in the final year of his contract with the Swiss team, was not renewed, as Sauber opted to focus on youth alongside the already confirmed Nico Hulkenberg, who will join the team starting with post-season tests in Abu Dhabi.
After 11 years in Formula 1, since his debut with Williams in 2013, the Finn’s journey in the top series is concluding, at least in a primary role. However, Valtteri Bottas has already received other offers as a reserve driver, including one from Mercedes, which he has admitted he is considering.
In 2025, Valtteri Bottas will not be on the starting grid, and he spoke about the news of his departure: “A situation like this is never easy for anyone. But after all the good discussions we had in recent weeks, we realized that the conditions weren’t right to continue growing this project together. These last few years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments. I am grateful for the trust and support I received every step of the way. Although it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a piece of this team with me, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
“To Valtteri, we extend our deepest gratitude for these three years together. He has been the embodiment of professionalism, using his vast experience to support the team’s growth,” added Mattia Binotto, COO of Sauber.
“Valtteri’s dedication and approach have been invaluable at a crucial point in our history, and the memories of these years will stay with us for a long time. When considering our driver lineup for the coming seasons, Valtteri was undoubtedly a key candidate. However, a decision had to be made. After open and constructive discussions, we concluded that the final terms couldn’t be met, and so we mutually decided to part ways.”
Bottas joined Sauber at the beginning of 2022 on a multi-year contract, one of his priorities when signing with the Swiss team, which at the time was still racing under the Alfa Romeo brand. After years of Mercedes renewing his contract on a yearly basis, Valtteri Bottas sought stability, favoring Sauber’s project over Williams’s.
The early races of 2022, thanks to a car lighter than its competitors and close to the minimum weight limit set by the FIA, brought several satisfactions, with seven top-10 finishes in the first nine races. However, as other teams developed, the car’s limitations on faster tracks and Sauber’s struggles to deliver consistent updates forced a more defensive approach midway through the season until new developments arrived at the season’s end.
In 2023, as well as in 2024, the team faced greater challenges, leading to a difficult season with few points, as Sauber remains at zero in the standings. Pit stop issues in the first part of this championship cost the Swiss team potential points in its most competitive races. Development difficulties during the season exacerbated the situation, making it extremely hard to fight for points, especially as, according to Valtteri Bottas, the team seems more focused on Audi’s future involvement than the present.
In recent weeks, Valtteri Bottas was put on hold by Sauber while awaiting developments in the contract situations of Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto, with the latter being the team’s main target to pair with an experienced driver like Nico Hulkenberg. As a McLaren Academy member, the Brazilian was tied to Woking, and Audi wanted to clarify the contractual situation, but Audi ultimately selected him for the future.
Sauber has opted for a younger lineup, choosing Gabriel Bortoleto to replace the Finnish driver. Regarding Bortoleto, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella commented in São Paulo that the parties were finalizing everything with an imminent announcement: “Conversations are underway and being concluded. I think this question will be answered very soon. We’re finalizing the deal. The most important thing, as I’ve always said, is that McLaren will not stand in the way of Gabriel earning a place in Formula 1.”
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