Valtteri Bottas predicts Audi will struggle to win early in F1, calling victory hopes in initial seasons overly ambitious.
Valtteri Bottas insists that expecting Grand Prix victories would be “too ambitious” for Audi’s first seasons in F1.
The Finnish driver, who hopes to be part of the new project, believes Audi can aim for consistent points finishes in its first year as a starting goal.
“Realistically, I expect next year to still be challenging,” said Bottas, who is still waiting for a contract extension, at least for 2025.
“There won’t be any miracles. We can’t make drastic efforts in 2025 due to the major changes planned for 2026. From what I’ve heard, Audi wants to be competitive by 2026. But it won’t be easy.”
“It’s difficult to enter a new sport against manufacturers who have been around for so long.”
“2026 could be a good year, but trying to win right away is a tough task. That’s the harsh reality. Scoring regularly is quite realistic for a new team, from what I’ve seen. But winning in the early seasons, as they’ve suggested, is too ambitious.”
“But these are just assumptions and speculations.”
Bottas explained why he remains confident, however, in Audi F1’s potential rise.
“Because the rules have been rewritten, and thanks to the investment Audi has put into the project and its people.”
For now, though, Sauber/Stake F1 is at the back of the grid. It’s the only F1 team in 2024 without a single point.
“I’m not expecting miracles. We have upgrades planned for Austin. I’m not expecting anything drastic, but improvements can be made. Scoring points this year will be difficult.”
For a driver of Bottas’ experience and stature, a point-less season would not reflect well on his CV.
“Obviously, it would be bad. I don’t know the history, but it hasn’t happened that often, for that many teams. If I look at the number of points I’ve scored throughout my career, it would be tough.”
“Unfortunately, the opportunities to achieve that are becoming increasingly rare.”
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Bottas doesn’t foresee quick success for Audi in F1 Bottas doesn’t foresee quick success for Audi in F1
