Bottas admits F1 driver market 'danger' but 'priority' is clear

Valtteri Bottas has stated he is sure of his priority order over the F1 seats that remain available for next season.

The Finnish driver says he is "pretty clear" in what he wants, but that it was a case of others moving first.

His future is out of his own hands due to Carlos Sainz being considered the top option by Williams, Stake - who will transition to Audi in 2026 - and Alpine. 

However, the 34-year-old refused to be drawn into a conversation on which of the available seats is his priority.

"Absolutely," the Stake driver replied to media including RacingNews365 when asked if he had made up his mind in terms of order. "I've got my priority and my order, which I can't tell you, but for me it's pretty clear what I want.

When it was queried as to why he cannot simply sign with that option, he added: "Because somebody else first has to decide where he's going. And that's going to decide what's possible - how it's going to unfold."

Nothing is confirmed 'until pen hits the paper'

Bottas says he remains "confident" he will be on the F1 grid next season, despite the current uncertainty of his situation.

The 10-time grand prix winner acknowledged how precarious being in his position can be, highlighting that nothing is for certain until contracts are signed.

"There's always the danger, but I'm still confident that I'll be here next year in one of the seats," the former Williams and Mercedes driver said in response to being asked if he was at danger of having all doors in F1 closed on him.

"But obviously, in this sport until you're signed, nothing is confirmed - you can always have talks and stuff but until pen hits the paper, nothing is confirmed. 

"So there's that element as well, but I'm not too worried based on, at least from my understanding, of where we are."

Despite sharing an awareness for the insecurity of not yet being tied to a contract for 2025, Bottas confirmed he did not have a non-F1 contingency, adding: "No. 100% F1."