The ‘marketing’ concerns that could cost Valtteri Bottas a 2025 Audi seat

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Valtteri Bottas is clinging on to the prospect of having a seat in Formula 1 beyond the 2025 season, when he is expected to be retained by Sauber.

Although he has proven to be an experienced hand who can potentially help one of the weakest teams on the grid make some progress, there is little enthusiasm from the Audi camp to employ Valtteri Bottas.

The team was open in suggesting that Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz were their two main goals, with the Spaniard eventually signing a deal with Williams due to their current form.

Despite not scoring a point this season owing to their problems behind the scenes and lack of effective developments reaching their car, Bottas is likely to retain his seat in 2025.

According to journalist Ralf Bach on the F1 Insider podcast, there are various factors that could impact his ability to retain the seat during the transition to Audi in 2026.

Audi worried that Valtteri Bottas might not bring a lot of marketing worth

Audi is still evaluating which drivers it would like in their lineup for the 2026 season, with team boss Mattia Binotto previously stating that he would like to have experienced drivers.

While this could mean Bottas is at the front of the queue, various other factors could impact their decision according to Bach.

“I think it’s being evaluated again to see exactly what’s the best they have with Hulkenberg,” said Bach.

“That plays a role but its also being considered whether he [Bottas] is really good enough, is he at the peak of his performance? How much does he get us in terms of marketing?”

Sauber could announce another driver alongside Valtteri Bottas

If Bottas only signs a one-year deal with Sauber, it means that Audi could announce another driver for the long term to partner Hulkenberg.

While Franco Colapinto has impressed at Williams in the three races he has contested, he reportedly does not have the budget to afford a drive with the team.

READ MORE: Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin

F2 prospect Gabriel Bortoleto would be the most likely option on loan from McLaren, who Sauber would likely announce Bottas alongside.

Bortoleto has proven that he is one of the most talented young drivers, having taken the lead of the F2 championship since the last round at Monza.