James Vowles, team principal of Williams, present on the F1 grid during the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023.
Valtteri Bottas reportedly held a ‘secret’ meeting with Williams boss James Vowles at the recent British Grand Prix as the former Mercedes driver aims to seal his place on the F1 2025 grid.
Bottas is one of seven drivers on the current grid who remain without a deal for next season, with the Finn unlikely to be retained by Sauber as the Swiss-based team prepare to become Audi in F1 2026.
Valtteri Bottas ‘sneaks’ into Williams for F1 2025 talks
PlanetF1.com revealed in May that Bottas had emerged as a serious contender to rejoin Williams for F1 2025, having been spotted entering the team’s hospitality unit for a meeting with Vowles during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend at Imola.
Between 2017 and 2021, Bottas collaborated with Vowles at Mercedes, resulting in 10 victories. Prior to that, he commenced his Formula 1 journey with Williams in 2013, achieving nine podium finishes over the course of four seasons. Subsequently, Bottas was chosen as the successor to Nico Rosberg at the conclusion of the 2016 season.
In the past few weeks, Vowles has been very open about his intention to sign Carlos Sainz. He referred to the departing Ferrari driver as Williams’ top priority during the Canadian Grand Prix held last month.
Key details: F1 driver market
F1 2024 driver salaries revealed: Who are the highest-paid drivers on the grid?
F1 driver contracts: What is the contract status of every driver on the 2024 grid?
However, as Sainz continues to delay making a decision about his future, Vowles recently confessed that Williams will need to consider other possibilities for F1 2025.
A report by Swiss-German publication Blick has claimed that Bottas ‘sneaked’ into Williams’ motorhome at Silverstone, wearing a black t-shirt and black cap, for a 30-minute discussion with Vowles as both parties look to seal the deal.
During an interview with various media outlets, including PlanetF1.com, at the British GP, Bottas playfully hinted that he is nearing a contract renewal for the upcoming season. He also expressed confidence in his current standing within the driver market, describing himself as being in a favorable position.
He expressed his optimism, stating that he believes things are moving forward and edging closer in a positive direction.
However, I currently have no announcements to make and no agreements have been finalized yet. Nevertheless, progress is being made.
I believe I find myself in a favorable position. Fortunately, there are still individuals in the paddock who recognize my abilities and the strengths I bring to a team. However, it will require some time to fully solidify everything and feel completely confident.
“It’s far from frustrating; in fact, it’s quite exhilarating. Such circumstances are an integral part of the sport and considering it’s still July, we have a long way to go. I’ve encountered similar situations in the past where I had to wait until September or October.”
Based on my assessment, I believe our current situation is still favorable.
In July, I wouldn’t say it’s frustrating, but if you were to ask me in October, it might be starting to become frustrating.
Read next: Adrian Newey’s ‘most likely destination’ uncovered after ‘salary demand’ reveal – report
