P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas will compete with the Stake F1 Team this year ahead of its transition to Audi in 2026 and the Finnish driver is hopeful that he will be retained for the squad’s new era.
Valtteri Bottas has expressed his interest in securing a race seat with the Audi Formula 1 team, which is set to enter the sport in 2026. Audi will acquire a majority share in the Sauber Group, which will operate as the Stake F1 Team. Bottas, who currently races for the Stake outfit, has stated his eagerness to be part of Audi’s F1 project and is scheduled to have discussions with them in the first quarter of this year. His tenure with Alfa Romeo has been less successful, with the team struggling towards the back of the grid. Nico Hulkenberg is reportedly another top candidate for Audi’s F1 venture. Despite his desire to join Audi, Bottas is open to talks with other teams if the opportunity arises, as he feels he still has unfinished business in the sport.
