Valtteri Bottas, the acclaimed former Mercedes maestro and current driving force behind the Stake F1 Team, is envisaging a thrilling shift in gears toward an exciting new chapter in his Formula 1 journey. Amidst the racing fervor that defined his exceptional 2021 F1 season, Bottas departed from the renowned Silver Arrows after an illustrious five-year tenure, steering his ambitions toward a new horizon by joining Alfa Romeo Sauber, now famously known as the Stake F1 Team.
The motorsport world was set abuzz when Sauber unveiled its audacious plan to merge with the German automotive giants, Audi, signaling their intent to storm into the high-octane realm of Formula 1 by the year 2026. Positioned at the forefront of this thrilling merger, Valtteri Bottas has unequivocally expressed his commitment to embarking on this exhilarating journey with the Stake F1 Team as they meticulously craft their future in the sport.
In an exclusive dialogue with Motorsport.com, Bottas passionately conveyed his unwavering desire to continue his storied career in Formula 1. The Finnish driver affirmed his eagerness to remain in the thick of the action as the German powerhouse gears up to make pivotal decisions regarding their F1 foray in 2026. Bottas disclosed his involvement in crucial discussions set to unfold in early 2024, shedding light on his pivotal role in shaping the team’s trajectory, including talks revolving around his contract extension.
“F1 is the number one thing for me. I’m still hungry to get back on the podium eventually. The Audi project could be the next opportunity. From my understanding, they’re going to make decisions of the years ahead early [this] year. So not yet. I’m going to have those discussions in the first quarter of [this] year,” he said.
Valtteri Bottas intends to stay in F1 even if negotiations with Audi are unsuccessful
“Being part of Audi would be my number one priority and preference. But if for some reason not, then absolutely I would talk to [other teams]. pic.twitter.com/FFeVKNnpk4
— Stake F1 Team News (@StakeF1TeamNews) January 6, 2024
Bottas’ vision extends beyond the boundaries of his current team, with his gaze firmly set on a prospective alliance with Audi in the thrilling world of Formula 1. This revelation adds a riveting layer to the narrative of the Finnish driver’s illustrious career, marking a potential shift toward new adventures and challenges beyond the confines of Stake F1 Team.
The motorsport fraternity awaits with bated breath as Valtteri Bottas, an emblem of speed, precision, and unwavering determination, prepares to script the next captivating chapter in his Formula 1 odyssey. His aspirations to continue gracing the F1 grid resonate with the fervor and passion that define the essence of the sport, promising an enthralling journey ahead for both the driver and the ever-loyal fans of Formula 1.
“I would, of course. I’m just being really honest here. Being part of Audi would be my number one priority and preference. But if for some reason not, then absolutely I would talk to [other teams]. I want to be around because I feel like I still have some unfinished things in this sport,” Bottas said.
