Audi F1 hopeful sees ‘bigger chance’ after Sainz snub

Valtteri Bottas feels a "bigger chance" of joining Audi's F1 attack has opened up after Carlos Sainz opted to sign for Williams.

Audi was courting Sainz even before his impending Ferrari departure was announced. The Spanish driver, however, proved to be a bottleneck in the driver market, with teams such as Williams and Alpine awaiting his decision before moving onto other targets.

Williams ultimately won the race for Sainz's signature, which means Audi is still searching for a partner for Nico Hulkenberg at Stake in 2025 before the German manufacturing giant arrives in '26 with a full works programme.

Having seemingly been set to leave earlier in the season, Bottas now appears to be a strong favourite to stay with the team he joined in 2022, which has a new figurehead. 

Shortly before the summer break, it was announced that previous project heads Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann were leaving with ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto brought aboard as chief technical and chief operating officer, with Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley also set to join as team principal. 

Reflecting on the change in fortunes, Bottas believes his chances of extending his grand prix racing stay have increased - along with the "respect" he is receiving.

"For sure it means that there is one driver less [in the mix]," Bottas told media including RacingNews365.

"So yes, I think there is a bigger chance of [signing for Audi] now and my priority is being part of Audi, since the announcement of the brand coming into F1, I have always shown my interest in that project.

"[Mattia] knows me a little bit, and now we've got to know each other better. We used to be competitors when I was at Mercedes and he was at Ferrari, but it seems like he's got respect for me. I've got respect for him, which is a good starting point for the discussion.

"They will make the decision in the end, but they're evaluating all the options, as they should. 

"But I would imagine I should be in a strong position, but it's down to Mattia and Audi.

"It did feel for the last six months or so that I wasn't the top priority, and obviously, there was one signing [Hulkenberg] before me.

"Obviously, the team and the management were looking for all the options, with little communication. But now, it feels a bit different. There was a clear reset, now there's a clear structure at the top, who's doing what, and I think that's positive going forward. 

"Mattia comes from a team that has been super successful. He knows what a good team really needs, so I think this is good for the future of this team."

Bottas on Audi signings

Ten-time grand prix winner Bottas was pushed about the signings of Binotto and Wheatley, and believes the groundwork Audi is laying will ensure its success.

"For me, the more I learn about the Audi project and their investments and what they've been doing in the recent years makes me more and more confident that it's going to be a successful project sooner or later," he said.

"I think it's great for the team. It's always good to have people from the very top and leading teams joining with lots of knowledge and lots of experience.

"He is a strong, strong asset for the team. It was quite sudden, with Andreas [Seidl] and [Oliver] Hoffmann leaving and then Mattia joined. 

"It was sudden for everyone. I didn't see it coming, but I think it was a good catch from Mattia."