34-year-old driver says he might shop around for a new team ahead of 2025 season

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Stake F1 Team driver Valtteri Bottas has admitted that he will look for a new team to stay on the grid in 2025 if his current contract isn’t renewed.

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are both entering the final year of their deals with the newly-named Sauber team.

Speaking to Autosport, the 34-year-old admitted that he expects an early decision to be made on his future heading into this season.

One of the most intriguing seats on the grid for drivers over the next few years is going to be at Sauber.

That’s because in 2026 they officially become Audi and that could offer two drivers the chance to drive for the newest works team in the paddock.

The German manufacturer are already lining up potential drivers for their introduction.

One of the Finn’s rivals is reportedly in ‘pole position’ while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon is said to be ‘very high’ up their list.

Bottas has said he wants to be part of Audi’s plans but will look for a new team in 2025 rather than retire if they decide to go in a different direction.

With so many drivers considering their futures and seats up for grabs, Formula 1’s driver market could lurch into action even earlier than normal this year.

No one will want to be left behind, but with several exceptional talents waiting for their chance, eventually, someone is going to miss out.

Bottas wants Audi seat, will seek new team in 2025 if that door closes

Speaking about his future, Bottas said: “From my understanding, they’re going to make decisions of the years ahead early [this] year. So not yet. I’m going to have those discussions in the first quarter of [this] year.

Asked if he could see himself shopping around if Audi looked elsewhere, he replied: “I would, of course. I’m just being really honest here.

“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.”

Bottas would be a valuable driver for a team in 2025 if they want to pair an experienced head with a rookie.

That could suit Haas for example who are looking at potentially bringing in Ollie Bearman.

Williams star Alex Albon may move on and Logan Sargeant’s future is far from certain and so an emotional return to his first team would be the perfect way to see out his F1 career.