In a surprise move, Valtteri Bottas has departed from Kick Sauber, closing a significant chapter in his F1 journey. After joining the Swiss-based team in 2022 following a successful period at Mercedes, Bottas aimed to leverage his experience to drive the team’s progress.
However, with Sauber’s sights set on its transition into the Audi Works Team by 2026, both parties appear to be pursuing different paths forward. Though Bottas had frequently expressed his eagerness to remain with the team to be part of Audi’s entry in 2026, those plans have now changed, with Sauber announcing his departure on Wednesday.
Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto said: “In considering our driver line-up for the coming seasons, Valtteri was unquestionably a key candidate. With his fighting spirit, he frequently pushed the car beyond its performance limits.”
“However, a decision had to be made. After open and constructive discussions, we mutually concluded that final conditions could not be met so we agreed that it was time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil.” he added.
Valterri Bottas confirming that he is parting ways with Kick Sauber. pic.twitter.com/cdd9r6BWZW
— Pitinsider.com (@pitinsider) November 6, 2024
Brazilian racer Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg will race for Sauber next season and will likely be the two drivers to be Audi’s initial lineup when it transitions from Kick Sauber in 2026.
Whats next for Valtteri Bottas?
Following his exit from Sauber, Valtteri Bottas is expected to make a comeback to the Mercedes F1 team for the 2025 season. Bottas is anticipated to stay within the F1 paddock, with the 10-time Grand Prix winner reportedly set to rejoin Mercedes as a reserve driver, according to Lawrence Barretto.
Autosport indicates that Fin has been in talks with Mercedes for “several weeks.” If finalized, the 35-year-old Finn would step in for Mick Schumacher as the reserve driver, supporting George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025 after Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari.
Prior to the Mexico City Grand Prix, Bottas mentioned to F1TV that he “would consider” a return to Mercedes, where he previously raced from 2017 to 2021.
“A situation like this is never easy for anyone,” Bottas said as his Sauber exit was confirmed. “But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realized that the conditions to grow this project together were not met. Though it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a piece of this team with me, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us both.”
Bottas has three remaining races with Sauber to secure the team’s first point of the 2024 season.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
