Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas is eager to secure his Formula 1 future with Audi, the company that will take over his team in two years’ time.
Audi will join the F1 grid in 2026. However, that the German brand takes over Sauber doesn’t mean they will retain its drivers, and Bottas knows that.
That’s why the Finnish driver wishes to secure a deal with his team for 2025, as it could mean winning one of the two seats at Audi.
“F1 is the number one thing for me,” Bottas told Motorsport.com. “I’m still hungry to get back on the podium eventually. The Audi project could be the next opportunity.”
Bottas said he hasn’t held formal talks with Audi yet. “From my understanding, they’re going to make decisions of the years ahead early this year. So [I haven’t talked with them] yet.
“I’m going to have those discussions in the first quarter of this year.”
Although he plans to work alongside Audi, Bottas said that he will open negotiations with other teams if his talks with the future entrants break down.
“Being part of Audi would be my number one priority and preference. But if for some reason not, then absolutely I would talk to other teams.
“I want to be around because I feel like I still have some unfinished things in this sport.”