Bottas Leads Race for Williams F1 Seat, Deadline Looms

Williams F1 is poised to pick Valtteri Bottas as their second driver, with a decision expected within two weeks.

Williams F1 appears ready to cease waiting for Carlos Sainz if necessary and finalize its driver lineup for 2025 before the Formula 1 summer break.

James Vowles, the Williams team principal, has grown weary of waiting for Sainz and is seemingly prepared to offer a multi-year contract to Bottas—especially since Esteban Ocon has proven too tall for the 2025 F1 cockpit, which remains identical to that of 2024.

“It’s the question of the moment,” Vowles stated in Hungary when asked about Alex Albon’s teammate for 2025 and beyond.

“We will make a decision soon, but at this moment, I cannot say. However, it will be in the next two weeks, I believe.”

Bottas has been spotted meeting Vowles twice in recent weeks, including a notable encounter at Silverstone.

“Discussions have taken place here and there,” the Stake F1/Sauber driver mentioned in Hungary. “James and I know each other quite well.”

“Everything that has been negotiated with all the teams I’ve spoken to is based on multi-year contracts. At this stage of my career, a one-year deal is not very appealing. It needs to be a longer-term project and one that requires proper commitment.”

“I believe I still have years ahead of me at this level, and that was also the sense I got during these discussions. I hope we can improve this car (Sauber) this season and that wherever I am next year, there will be better equipment right from the start.”