P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Bottas “slowly getting the ball rolling” on F1 future talks
The ex-Mercedes driver moved to Sauber for the 2022 season under a firm two-year contract, with the option for the team to retain him alongside Zhou Guanyu. Bottas stated that a potential contract renewal with Sauber would signify his securing a seat with Audi, as the manufacturer finalizes its acquisition of the Swiss team. While there were initial doubts about Sauber keeping Bottas for 2024, discussions with Audi regarding a potential 2026 partnership are progressing slowly. With Hamilton moving to Ferrari and uncertainties about Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, Bottas recognizes the competitive nature of the driver market and the risk of being left without a seat. His focus remains on driving, while his management navigates potential opportunities in the background to stay ahead of the market. Bottas aims to return to competitive racing at the front, expressing motivation to achieve more and longing for the thrill of battling at the forefront. Now in his 12th top-flight season, Bottas emphasizes the value of his experience in adapting to new regulations and being a reliable team player.
