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Bottas Awaits 2025 Fate - Bortoleto Tapped by Audi

Audi F1 Eyes Bortoleto for 3rd Seat, Bottas in Limbo

24/09/2024

Audi F1/Sauber might add Gabriel Bortoleto as third driver, as Valtteri Bottas hangs on for 2025 contract news.

Audi F1 plans to bring a much younger driver into its Formula 1 lineup for 2026.

This revelation comes from veteran Blick journalist Roger Benoit, who also confidently stated that Valtteri Bottas would be retained on a one-year contract through 2025.

The Finnish driver dismissed this as “fake news” when asked if it had already been signed, but couldn’t help smiling when questioned if he felt some relief knowing he would still be a Formula 1 driver in 2025.

“I hope we’ll have official news soon. Christmas is fast approaching. Let’s try to get things in place before Austin.”

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher admitted that keeping Bottas is an uninspiring move for the Audi-owned Sauber team.

“I don’t understand it,” said the German. “I really hope this doesn’t happen. It’s become quite clear that they should be looking at some of the younger drivers.”

Benoit reveals Audi’s plan to place Bottas alongside Nico Hulkenberg, already signed for next year, while gradually bringing in a young driver like McLaren-contracted rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.

Williams team boss James Vowles admitted on Sunday that “Audi’s interest in Franco Colapinto was quite low.”

Benoit believes that when Audi-Sauber finally announces Bottas’ extension, Bortoleto will also be confirmed as the third driver.

Bottas Awaits 2025 Fate - Bortoleto Tapped by Audi

Bottas Awaits 2025 Fate – Bortoleto Tapped by Audi Bottas Awaits 2025 Fate – Bortoleto Tapped by Audi

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