Bottas makes F1 future concession as cryptic Audi clue dropped

Valtteri Bottas has conceded that he may be forced to leave Formula 1 if he does not secure the Stake seat for 2025.

Finn Bottas is hoping to retain his seat at Stake for next season ahead of Audi's arrival in 2026, with the 10-time grand prix winner hoping that his experience and knowledge of a championship-winning team in Mercedes will be able to secure him the seat.

Under Andreas Seidl's leadership of the project, it appeared that Bottas would leave the team, but he has been granted a reset under the new boss - Mattia Binotto, with meetings taking place across the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

The Stake seat to partner Nico Hulkenberg is currently one of two left on the 2025 grid, with the second RB seat also up for grabs, but that, and the second Red Bull seat, will be filled by two of Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson. 

It leaves the Stake/Audi seat as Bottas' last option to remain in F1, but he has conceded that his career could be over in grand prix racing.

"Options are limited for me, but that is how it is," he told media including RacingNews365.

"So of course it has crossed my mind, and I have had to think: 'what if I am not in Formula 1 next year', but it is still too early to think about that. 

"I will be racing something, that is what I have done all my life, so for sure, I won't stay on the beach.

"In theory, I should be in a good situation, I have the experience and I think that is what the team needs. 

"In that sense, I'm in a good position, but then it is up to the boss and the board of Audi for the future."

Progress made

Binotto attended the Italian GP at Monza in his first on-site race as Sauber Motorsport Chief Technical and Chief Operating Officer, holding meetings with Bottas and other candidates.

Bottas felt his own sales pitch went well as he hinted at possible progress.

"We started the discussions with good respect and in a positive way." he added.

"I think he really understands what he can get out of me for the team, and if I can get involved in a project for the year ahead which is interesting, a car manufacturer, then I am interested as well. 

"So I think there is interest both ways, and we've made some progress, but I don't want to give away anything more than that."