P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Bottas targets early move on Audi F1 2026 drive
Audi is in the process of acquiring Sauber, the current team of Valtteri Bottas, in preparation for their return to Formula One in two years. Bottas, who joined Sauber from Mercedes for the 2022 season, has one more year left on his contract. Sauber has secured Bottas for the 2024 season through a one-year extension clause. He believes that if he extends his contract with Sauber for 2025, he will likely secure a seat with Audi for the following year. Bottas expressed his commitment to Formula One and his desire to get back on the podium. He mentioned having discussions with Audi management about a seat for 2026 as a priority for the early part of 2024. If negotiations with Audi fall through, Bottas, who will be 37 in 2026, will explore options with other teams but currently prefers to stay at Sauber for Audi’s full takeover.
