Sauber’s Binotto reflects on the challenging yet mutual decision to replace Bottas as the team transitions toward Audi’s F1 future.
Mattia Binotto, Chief Operating Officer and Technical Director of Sauber Motorsport, admits it was a difficult decision to replace Valtteri Bottas with Gabriel Bortoleto for 2025.
Bortoleto was confirmed this Wednesday, finalizing a brand-new lineup for next season featuring the Brazilian rookie and Nico Hulkenberg.
This leaves no place for Bottas, 35, on the grid, and Binotto acknowledges that the ten-time Grand Prix winner was one of the top contenders for the seat but felt the timing was right to introduce a young driver as Stake progresses toward becoming Audi’s works team in 2026.
“I get along very well with Valtteri,” Binotto said when asked about the reasons for his decision.
“It’s been an excellent relationship since I started here in August; we built it, we trust each other. And I think we’ve really established and had good communication between us. We had several discussions about the journey and its duration on one side and the length of his contract on the other, as well as the challenges we may face over the coming seasons.”
“We all know that next season will be tough for the team as it continues on the path to becoming Audi F1. It’s a long road. I think we thought a lot together about the duration, and that’s where I came to the conclusion that maybe we should have a young driver with us.”
“So all of this with him was a mutual understanding, let’s say, if not an agreement, certainly a mutual understanding—of the situation, the facts, and what is required.”
“More than that, I would like to emphasize that I think he was certainly an excellent candidate for the seat. I know he’s very fast. And he’s proven that he’s still very fast even today, that he’s very fit, that he knows the team. He’s certainly well respected here, and he’s very well regarded in the paddock.”
“So overall, it hasn’t been easy, but sometimes you have to reach a conclusion and make a decision. And we did that.”
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Sauber’s Binotto: Parting with Bottas Was No Easy Call Sauber’s Binotto: Parting with Bottas Was No Easy Call
