P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 star blindsided by late Audi driver decision
Valtteri Bottas, former Mercedes F1 star, recently shared his surprise at Audi’s late decision to change their driver lineup.
Despite being left without a full-time seat for the upcoming season, Bottas remains prepared for a stand-in role with Mercedes, Williams, or McLaren in 2025.
His ultimate goal is to secure a return to a full-time role in Formula 1 by 2026, potentially with Red Bull or the intriguing 2026 F1 project by Cadillac.
Bottas acknowledged that uncertainties regarding his Sauber/Audi re-signing hindered his talks with other teams last year.
Notably, he may be a strong contender for Cadillac’s driver lineup in 2026, alongside former colleagues like Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo.
In light of his experience and achievements in the sport, Bottas is optimistic about his future in F1 and is keeping his options open for potential opportunities with top teams.
