F1 News: Valtteri Bottas Remains Optimistic About 2025 Contract - 'A New Chapter'

Valtteri Bottas is making progress toward a potential contract extension with Sauber , following discussions with the team's new leadership.

Recently appointed CTO and CEO Mattia Binotto is steering the team through a significant transition as Audi takes over operations.

Bottas, who currently does not have a confirmed seat for the upcoming season, is navigating a period of change within Sauber.

The team has seen key management shifts, including the exits of CEO Andreas Seidl and former chairman Oliver Hoffmann. Binotto's arrival marks a new chapter, with Jonathan Wheatley from Red Bull set to take on the role of team principal in mid-2025.

While Audi has already secured Nico Hulkenberg for one of its seats, the second position remains open.

Bottas' previous contract discussions were stalled due to the management changes, but the new leadership has reignited talks about his future with the team.

Bottas feels optimistic about the current management structure, noting that communication has improved significantly compared to the previous regime.

Bottas was talking about it all with Motorsportweek.com :

“Obviously, Mattia just started.

“Like I mentioned in Spa, things reset quite a bit with the new point of communication.

“So we had a quick talk after Spa, and we continued the discussions this week. That’s where we are at the moment.”

He believes that Binotto's experience with successful teams will benefit Sauber as it moves forward.

He added, “Mattia comes from a team that has been super successful. He knows what a good team really needs. So I think it’s good for the future of this team.”

With just ten races left in the 2024 season, Bottas is aware of the urgency to finalize his plans for next year.

“We are already in August, soon in September.

“So I think the sooner the better for everyone. I think that’s what everyone agrees. That’s how it is sometimes.”

He is confident in his position as Audi evaluates its options for the second seat alongside Hulkenberg.

“Obviously they make the decision in the end.

“But they’re evaluating all the options, no doubt, as they should.

“But I would imagine I should be in a strong position. But obviously it’s down to Mattia and Audi.”

The coming weeks will be crucial as the team looks to solidify its lineup for the future.