Valtteri Bottas raises concerns over Audi F1’s future, highlighting Sauber’s chassis woes as a major hurdle despite engine progress.
Valtteri Bottas was not selected by Mattia Binotto to remain with Sauber next year. Instead, Brazilian F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto was preferred. The Finn has thus found refuge with Mercedes F1, his former team, as a reserve driver, awaiting a potential opportunity in 2026 with Cadillac F1.
In 2026, his former team, Sauber, will officially be renamed Audi to mark the German manufacturer’s full entry under its own banner. However, given Sauber’s very poor performance in 2024, isn’t there a risk that both next year and 2026 will feel like an uphill battle?
“It’s going to be a big challenge, of course, and they know it,” Valtteri Bottas says about Sauber’s future competitiveness.
Audi will also need a competitive power unit in 2026—far from a given considering the intense competition. Let’s not forget Honda’s struggles when it returned with McLaren F1.
“Audi knows it,” Bottas confirms. “I think they’ve focused on the power unit side for a long time and invested heavily, so they can do a good job, for sure.”
“But all the other teams and engine manufacturers, they’ve been in the sport for a very, very long time.”
“But Audi has the resources and the potential.”
“My biggest concern is about the chassis—it’s not made by Audi; it’s still made by Sauber. So, the chassis side definitely needs improvement.”
It’s a subtle jab from Bottas directed at Hinwil!
Fortunately, Hinwil will benefit from the new budget cap regulations, which will account for Switzerland’s wage differences—a real breath of fresh air for the team.
“I hope they’ll find a solution,” Bottas stated.
“And I think the recent changes to the budget cap rules for different countries will help Sauber a little.”
“But, yes, if they build some positive momentum, then people will be more inclined to join the team. For now, though, it’s been a tough start for the brand.”
Another concern is the carousel of key personnel.
Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl were dismissed from leading the project this year, while Mattia Binotto (as the project’s technical director, primarily based in Hinwil) and Jonathan Wheatley (as team principal, focusing on operational oversight at Grand Prix events) were brought in.
Bottas acknowledges that these changes at Sauber created “chaos,” though the situation is beginning to stabilize.
“Well, a lot of people have changed,” the Finn remarked. “Many were let go, and many others have joined the team in different roles, so there’s been significant turnover. Finding stability in how the team is structured has taken time.”
“Now it’s finally starting to come together, but initially, it was quite chaotic with all the departures and arrivals.”
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Bottas Questions Audi F1 Future Amid Sauber Struggles Bottas Questions Audi F1 Future Amid Sauber Struggles
