Valtteri Bottas and Sauber seemed close to securing a deal for 2025. However, the renewal is proving more complicated than expected.
A few weeks ago, it was reported that the Finn was close to renewing with the team, which will become Audi in 2026. The announcement was expected soon. Even Helmut Marko, known for his stern attitude, deemed the renewal “incomprehensible,” suggesting Mick Schumacher’s name instead. Sebastian Vettel also stepped aside to recommend the son of the legendary driver for the last remaining seat in next season’s Formula 1.
What are the reasons the much-anticipated Valtteri Bottas-Sauber renewal for 2025 has faced setbacks? According to Blick’s column on the driver market, the former Mercedes driver “is causing problems,” making negotiations difficult.
“Bottas, already confirmed as last in the world drivers’ standings, is causing problems and probably wants a better contract and more money.” Outside of the Sauber equation are young talents Gabriel Bortoleto (McLaren) and Franco Colapinto (Williams), who “can no longer be signed.” At the same time, Blick reports that “even Mick Schumacher is being considered.”
So, while the 2025 World Championship driver lineup is almost complete, the Sauber seat remains uncertain: who will secure the coveted seat? Will we see good old Valtteri Bottas again (even though his focus seems more on cycling than Formula 1 lately), will young Franco Colapinto be given an opportunity (James Vowles is pushing to convince Sauber on a kind of “loan”), or will we witness Mick Schumacher’s return?
With only a few races left in the season, Sauber will have to make a decision, also considering the future Audi brand.
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