Valtteri Bottas hints at ‘corporate’ influence at Sauber after Audi takeover

Vatteri Bottas believed that Audi's influence would be worth sacrificing Sauber's culture.

Valtteri Bottas hints at ‘corporate’ influence at Sauber after Audi takeover

Valtteri Bottas (via IMAGO)

Audi will join Formula 1 in 2026. The German carmaker will turn the current Sauber-run Alfa Romeo F1 team into its works team, with a 75% stake by 2026. This process has already begun with the arrival of Andreas Seidl as Sauber CEO. Now, Valtteri Bottas has given some details about how the Swiss team would change with Audi’s entry.

Bottas admitted that the entire structure at Sauber would become more corporate with the arrival of the auto giant. This would, in turn, affect the decision-making process of the Swiss team. He said, as reported by Motorsports.com, “No doubt it will get more corporate with a big brand coming in.” Audi is part of the massive Volkswagen Group that also includes the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini.

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The Finnish driver believed that such a sacrifice in Sauber’s work culture would be worth it as Audi’s backing would allow for a competitive footing. Although, this would come at the cost of curbing the free spirit of the Swiss team. Valtteri Bottas continued, “But if that brings results, then I don’t mind, just change a bit of the team culture and the free atmosphere for a more competitive part.”

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Valtteri Bottas might need to rethink social media uploads with Audi’s entry

Valtteri Bottas at the SBT Hill Climb (Credits: @@FastestPitStop/Twitter)
Valtteri Bottas at the SBT Hill Climb (Credits: @@FastestPitStop/Twitter)

The Sauber-run Alfa Romeo F1 team signed Bottas for a multi-year contract that expires in 2024. The Finnish driver has clarified that he is eager to continue with the team once Audi enters the sport in 2026. However, the former Mercedes driver knows he might need to tweak his uploads on social media if the 33-year-old becomes an Audi F1 driver.

However, Bottas reaffirmed that he would not change his personality. The Finn said, “I don’t feel like I need to change myself. I am who I am. And I want to be who I am always. Of course, with a bigger company some things that I share in social media, I might have to do a second thought on things, but that’s okay.” Valtteri Bottas has transformed himself ever since joining Alfa Romeo with the 34-year-old becoming a fan favorite on social media.

Thus, Valtteri Bottas believes corporate influence would be evident at Sauber after Audi’s takeover. However, the Finnish driver admitted that the entry of the auto giant would allow the team to match the top teams in the future. However, it remains to be seen if Bottas can secure his place on the Swiss team once it becomes the Audi Works team.

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