Valtteri Bottas opens up about his Sauber years, admitting they impacted his career while embracing a more relaxed mindset.
Valtteri Bottas believes his reputation in Formula 1 was tarnished by his three seasons at Sauber following his time at Mercedes F1.
The Finnish driver admits that leaving Mercedes has allowed him to enjoy his lifestyle outside of F1 more.
“I’m trying not to take things too seriously anymore.”
However, not focusing on beating Lewis Hamilton and chasing titles has its downsides. When asked if his lack of success at Sauber had hurt his chances of securing a new contract for 2025, the 34-year-old driver responded, “It certainly didn’t help.”
“When you’re fighting at the front, you’re in the spotlight. So, the last few years have probably done a bit of damage to my career.”
Bottas’ current seat at Sauber, now fully owned by Audi, is the last vacant one for 2025. The ten-time Grand Prix winner, who has yet to score a point this season, admits he doesn’t have a “plan B.”
“Not yet,” Bottas said, hinting he could consider a move to IndyCar.
“I think I can still focus on plan A as long as the team hasn’t communicated its decision. I remain positive and hopeful that it will work out. I haven’t thought of an alternative yet, and I hope I won’t need one.”
The F1 world recently left Singapore under the impression that Audi-Sauber had offered Bottas a one-year contract for 2025, likely with a significant pay cut.
But suddenly, Audi F1’s new boss, Mattia Binotto, admits that Mick Schumacher is “definitely” an option to partner Nico Hulkenberg next year.
Bottas believes Sauber should remain committed to experience with both him and Hulkenberg driving the 2025 cars.
“I know Nico well. We often cross paths during our travels. He also lives in Monaco. I think we’d make a strong driver pairing.”
“In my opinion, the team needs experience right now to climb back up, and that obviously means having two experienced drivers. So, it would be a good choice.”
“I’d really like to work with him.”
However, since leaving Mercedes, it’s clear that not only has Bottas’ lifestyle changed, but so has the perception of him within the paddock.
He insists he has no “regrets.”
“I can honestly say I’ve always given my best. I’ve always enjoyed life too, even when I was more reserved or stressed.”
Some believe Bottas is now so focused on his cycling activities, as well as his business interests—including wine, gin, and even nicotine pouches—that he’s lost focus on F1.
When asked if he’s no longer fully committed to success in Formula 1, Bottas insisted: “Of course, I’m still very committed to my results in Formula 1.”
“But these other projects are organized in such a way that I can choose how much time I devote to them. I also have a lot of help, so the workload is minimal. I simply enjoy it and do it with a lot of passion.”
“But I still find the motivation I need to give my best every weekend.”
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Valtteri Bottas: Sauber Years Hurt My Formula 1 Career Valtteri Bottas: Sauber Years Hurt My Formula 1 Career
