Bottas hints at 'hard deadline' after F1 contract delay

Valtteri Bottas has suggested he may need to impose a “hard deadline” in order to get his F1 future with Audi over the line.

Bottas is one of a number of options available to Stake F1 next year ahead of its transition to Audi in 2026.

With 240 F1 race starts to his name, the Finn asserted his belief he is the best option available for the squad - but accepted there is a risk he will not be on the grid next year.

“The situation I'm in now with only one seat available, of course there is a risk,” Bottas told media including RacingNews365. “I love F1 and I want to race in F1.

“So naturally, it's a bit of an odd situation but that's where we are. I've had lots of time to think about different things. I

“I’m always positive. I always stay positive because I really feel and believe that I should be in that seat.

“I feel like I would be best in the interest of the team. So that's why I'm staying positive.”

Bottas eyeing deadline as Audi weigh 'experience versus youth'

The options available to Audi outside Bottas are believed to include Formula 2 championship leader and current Williams driver Franco Colapinto.

With the Hinwil-based squad being the only team yet to confirm its line-up (bar RB, who will likely decide from its own pool of Red Bull juniors), Bottas acknowledged the team doesn't need to be rushed into a decision.

However, extending the decision could force Bottas to set his own deadline.

“They obviously have options but in the end, it's kind of come down to experience versus youth,” he said.

“They have all the time in the world. Unless  at some point, I need to set a hard deadline.”

When asked if he has been told when a decision will be made, Bottas stated: “Well, one month ago, it was 'as soon as possible'. 

“Of course from my side, eventually there will be a deadline as well, because even then, looking outside of F1 or other roles in F1, soon it's Christmas.

“When it comes to Christmas, there's not much availability anywhere. So hopefully soon.”