Bottas reflects on losing Kick Sauber seat for 2025

Valtteri Bottas has publicly spoken for the first time about the news that Kick Sauber have chosen to replace him for 2025, with the Finn stressing “life goes on” as he ponders what’s next in his career.

Bottas has raced for the Sauber-operated team – previously known as Alfa Romeo – since 2022 but will lose his spot over the winter after they decided to pair the previously signed Nico Hulkenberg with F2 front-runner Gabriel Bortoleto.

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At least for the time being, it brings an end to a Grand Prix adventure that began with Williams more than a decade ago and has yielded 10 race wins – all achieved during a stint alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

Asked for his reaction to the announcement as F1 landed in Las Vegas, Bottas commented: “I think the closer we were getting to that [decision] date, I did definitely figure out at the end that there were other drivers as candidates as well. Of course, you start to hear rumours.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 01: Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Kick Sauber C44 — Bottas will lose his spot on the F1 grid at the end of the 2024 season

“In the end, I still thought it was maybe a 50/50 chance [to stay]. I got the call on Monday [after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix], but at least I know now. I just need to figure out what’s next.”

Asked whether he has come to terms with the decision in the days since, Bottas said: “Yeah, absolutely. Life goes on. There’s lots of exciting things ahead. I’m fine with it.

“It’s a tricky sport. I think I got into a bit of an unlucky situation in terms of hanging onto the last seat on the grid. When that doesn’t happen, obviously you’re out for now.”

Bottas explained that he “talked to lots of people” up and down the grid earlier in the season to assess what options were available but “still always showed my interest for the Audi project” – admitting “it just wasn’t meant to be” in the end.

Pressed on how much he wants to continue in F1 despite this setback, he added: “The way my kind of active F1 driving career ended for now, it wasn’t the best way, that you can’t really decide yourself.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 31: Gabriel Bortoleto of Brazil and McLaren walks in the paddock during — F2 title contender Bortoleto is stepping up to replace Bottas at Kick Sauber

“I feel like still I have lots to give the sport and I still love it. I love racing against the best drivers in the world in the best cars in the world – that’s what I love.

“I’m just trying to figure out now what is the next move. I don’t really have that much more [to say]. I’m taking it day by day and there’s some interesting stuff on the table.”

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As for whether a switch to another category – such as the World Endurance Championship or IndyCar – could be on the cards, Bottas made clear that his priority is to try and secure an F1 return.

“For me, at the moment, I feel like jumping into a new category comes quite quick,” he said. “We’re almost in December. I think that’d be more realistic if I don’t find a seat in F1 during 2025 or for 2026.

“It’s all these things that I need to kind of try and plan, but the picture has not even formed in my head what is the ideal situation.”