With Sauber F2 driver confirmation Gabriel Bortoleto For 2025 and beyond, current Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas could explore a reserve driver role at Mercedes for the upcoming Formula 1 season.

Bottas was also in the running for the 2025 seat, representing his last chance to secure a full-time racing role. However, with Audi set to take over Sauber in 2026, Sauber CEO and CTO Mattia Binotto ultimately opted for Bortoleto’s newfound potential over Bottas’ extensive F1 experience. The move is part of the team’s strategy to pair young talent with seasoned driver Nico Hulkenberg, who will join Haas next year.

Binotto stressed that the Finn was a “key candidate” in the selection process but had not met the “final conditions” for a contract extension. He told the media:

“When considering our crew for the coming seasons, Valtteri was undoubtedly 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 the final conditions could not be met and therefore agreed that it was time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil.”

Bottas, who made his Formula 1 debut over a decade ago with Williams in 2013, revealed that the situation he found himself in is not easy. He added:

“A situation like this is never easy for anyone.

“But after all the good and in-depth discussions we have had over the past few weeks, we realized that the conditions to grow this project together were not there.

“The last few years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges and unforgettable moments. I am grateful for the shared experiences and the trust and support I felt every step of the way.

“Even though it’s time to move on, I will always carry a piece of this team with me and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both of us.”

With no other full-time option available at either team, Bottas could return to the Brackley team, a team he spent 5 years with before joining Sauber (then Alfa Romeo) in 2022. As he suggested in a recent interview when his discussions were ongoing with Binotto, Bottas had declared:

“I have to look at all alternatives, including returning to the Mercedes family.”

While Sauber is yet to score any points this season due to limited improvements as part of its transformation into the Audi Works team in less than 18 months, Bottas offers a stronger record with 10 Grand Prix wins since his switch. at Mercedes, providing a valuable advantage to its prospects. .