P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi is still yet to decide who will partner Nico Hulkenberg at the team next year, with current Stake F1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu gunning for the drive.
Audi’s Formula 1 hopefuls Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have expressed differing views on the length of their potential contract extensions with the team. Bottas and Zhou aim to join Nico Hulkenberg at the Audi team in 2025 ahead of the 2026 season. Bottas confirmed his intention to discuss his future with Audi’s COO Mattia Binotto at Monza, emphasizing his preference for a multi-year contract to ensure career stability. However, Bottas does not anticipate finalizing his agreement during the Italian Grand Prix weekend and remains focused on his racing performance. Meanwhile, Zhou is open to a one-year deal to provide driver lineup stability for Audi before the implementation of new technical regulations in 2026. Zhou believes a short-term contract would enable the team to evaluate its options and enhance performance upon Audi’s entry into Formula 1.
