Valtteri Bottas aims to grab $70 billion worth German luxury carmaker’s F1 seat for 2026

Valtteri Bottas will be looking to extend his stay at the Swiss-based Sauber squad once it is taken over by Audi in 2026.

Valtteri Bottas aims to grab $70 billion worth German luxury carmaker’s F1 seat for 2026

Valtteri Bottas [L], Audi F1 show car [R] (images via IMAGO)

Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas has been racing for the Swiss team since 2022. The Finnish driver’s contract will soon expire by the end of the 2024 season. Regardless, the 34-year-old driver mentioned his interest in driving for Audi soon after Sauber’s acquisition from the German carmaker. Apart from Bottas, other drivers like Carlos Sainz are rumored to be on the list of the $70 billion worth auto giant.

Audi will acquire Sauber by 2026, after the regulation changes. Hence, the German luxury carmaker has caught the attention of multiple drivers on the grid. As a result, Valtteri Bottas also showcased his interest in joining Audi. For this, Bottas would need to hold his contract with Sauber so that he has a chance to join Audi by 2026.

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The Finn highlighted that it wasn’t the first time that he was in the final year of a contract with not many options. It was a similar story for the 34-year-old at Mercedes. However, the more important fact was to ensure maximum performance to enable further contracts within the team. As a result, Bottas mentioned that he wanted to carry on with Sauber and fight for proper results.

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It’s not my first time in this position, But to be honest, it doesn’t even make a difference because you definitely want to showcase what you can do. I really want to carry on. I really want to get close to the top, fighting for proper results.
Bottas said, as reported by speedcafe.com.

Hence, Valtteri Bottas pointed towards the Audi project that would soon be joining the grid by 2026. The 34-year-old asserted that a big manufacturer entering the sport was a big opportunity for him. Although this was Bottas’ priority, the Finnish driver also pointed towards the majority of the drivers’ market opening up soon. Hence, Audi would also consider the plethora of options for drivers by the time the German manufacturer enters the sport.

I see an opportunity in the Audi project. I think that’s interesting always when you have a big manufacturer like that entering the sport. I think it’s an opportunity for me. That’s the priority, but if not, I think the drivers’ market is pretty wide open still for now going to next year.

Valtteri Bottas wants distraction-free long-term contract for his F1 future

Valtteri Bottas has been in Formula 1 since 2013 and has garnered ten race wins under his name. Hence, the 34-year-old boasts a decent career in Formula 1. However, Bottas aims to score even more better results as he previously asserted that he wants to stay in the sport for as long as Fernando Alonso. Additionally, the Finnish driver mentioned that it was better to commit to the team without any distractions from other teams.

I definitely feel like it’s better if you can commit to the team and there’s no distraction on contracts and stuff.
Bottas said told planetf1.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas (Vi:a IMAGO)

As a result, Valtteri Bottas ideally aims to score a long-term contract with any team possible on the grid. Hence, with Audi joining, the 34-year-old is positively looking at a long-term contract with the German carmaker. Hence Bottas must maintain a good image within the Swiss-based constructor before Audi’s arrival.

So wherever I end up going, ideally, I will be there for the long term.

Time will tell about how the contractual situation pans out for Valtteri Bottas. As things currently are, the driver could score another multi-year contract with Sauber. However, with the majority of the drivers’ market opening up, the 34-year-old would need to provide the team with the best possible results.

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