Bottas Eyes Audi F1 Move in 2025, Dubs It Top Priority

Bottas reveals his keen interest in Audi F1 for 2025, spotlighting the project’s appeal and potential despite other offers.

Valtteri Bottas was under consideration by Williams F1 for 2025, but the team ultimately signed Carlos Sainz. Now, only Stake has a vacancy for next year, and the Finn admits that it could be appealing, especially with Audi F1’s entry in 2026.

“In recent months, I’ve had to keep my eyes and ears open to understand what was happening and try to read the drivers’ market, because there was no guarantee I’d stay here,” Bottas told Motorsport Week.

“But now there is a clear direction, a clear priority, and I think in the long term, it could be really interesting, and there could be some success in sight if I can get involved in the project.”

“I feel that this is what I need at this stage of my career, a clear project to focus on, and it’s obviously easier at the moment, and for Audi.”

Bottas is enduring a challenging season, and performances have been subdued this year, but the former Mercedes driver is convinced that Audi’s investments in Hinwil and Neuburg will pay off soon.

“I think the changes are part of it, but what I’ve learned about investments, facilities, staffing, and the people they are about to recruit plays a big part.”

“They currently have a quite impressive structure planned for the future, and it’s just a matter of time. Joining F1 is never an easy path, but they have the necessary resources.”

“Age is no barrier in F1.”

Asked about his age as he is 35 years old, the Finn points out that other drivers have shown that it is possible to remain competitive: “I think Fernando is a benchmark, perhaps an anomaly, but I still have time on my side.”

“Age is not an issue. In this sport, with experience, you can always gain something more. I still feel I have many years ahead of me, and I have not yet seen the checkered flag.”

He acknowledges considering all the possibilities that come his way, in addition to Audi: “I think I need to explore all options, see what makes sense for the future, in both the short and long term. But it’s certain that I will be competing.”

He could obviously have to move away from Formula 1, and although it’s not yet certain, he was pressed about which championship would appeal to him: “If I had to decide now, it would probably be IndyCar. But I don’t want to think too much about it yet.”