Colapinto’s strong performance boosts Audi F1 hopes, while Bottas may return to Mercedes as a test driver.
Valtteri Bottas’ Formula 1 career could either be over or secured for several more seasons.
After Singapore, the Finn appeared set to sign a one-year extension with Sauber, now owned by Audi, but the situation has shifted dramatically over the three-week break that followed.
In the meantime, younger driver options like Mick Schumacher, Franco Colapinto, and Gabriel Bortoleto have gained renewed interest, as acknowledged by Mattia Binotto in Austin.
“For now, it seems to depend more on Mattia than on me. I remain optimistic because I believe I’m the best option, but of course, there’s a risk I won’t get the seat. However, we’ve built a strong connection since his arrival. We’ve discussed my future as well as technical matters,” Bottas said yesterday after the race.
Binotto revealed that he had met with Mick Schumacher in Austin and told him, “nothing has been decided yet.”
As for Colapinto, James Vowles confirmed that he has offered him a loan deal, though no official response has been received yet.
“I certainly don’t rule out the possibility of Franco being on the grid next year. After seeing his performance in Austin, I have no doubt that Mattia took notice. He made an impact both on track and in people’s minds.”
The likeable and impressive Argentine rookie, meanwhile, seems to believe he still has a chance, joking after the United States GP: “Maybe next year, if I don’t have a seat, I’ll become a strategy engineer instead.”
His point from finishing 10th was celebrated like a victory by an impressive crowd of fans after the race (photo)!
Whoever secures the Audi-Sauber seat, it won’t be a provisional one-year contract as rumours have suggested recently.
“We’re looking to the future and trying to build a team,” Binotto said after the race.
“A one-year deal wouldn’t make sense from that perspective, so we are negotiating a multi-year contract,” he added, noting that a decision would be made “by mid-November at the latest.”
As for Bottas, the news may not be favourable.
“I’ve heard that Bottas could return to Mercedes as a test driver in 2025,” revealed former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher on Sunday.
Swiss newspaper Blick also confirms this rumour, reporting that Ralf Schumacher learned the information directly from Bottas’ entourage.
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Audi-Sauber Eyes Colapinto – Bottas Linked to Mercedes Test Role Audi-Sauber Eyes Colapinto – Bottas Linked to Mercedes Test Role
