Valtteri Bottas is still unsure about his plans for 2025.
Valtteri Bottas doesn’t know what, if any, impact Nico Hulkenberg’s signing will have on his future but it’s clear either he or Zhou Guanyu are out of a job at the end of the year.
Earlier this week, Stake, which will be renamed as Audi in 2026, made an announcement regarding their signing of Hulkenberg for the 2025 championship. The German driver has joined the team on a multi-year contract.
Valtteri Bottas talking to ‘multiple teams’
The announcement arrived during a period of widespread speculation regarding Carlos Sainz’s potential team switch, which could have left both Bottas and his teammate without a seat.
Despite receiving a lucrative offer from Audi, Sainz reportedly declined it, opting to wait and observe the developments at Red Bull and Mercedes.
Bottas is currently reflecting on his future in Formula 1 as his chances of remaining with the team have been reduced to a 50/50 possibility.
He informed the media in Miami that although the timing is early and somewhat unexpected, it is evident that the driver market is beginning to shift, and this decision seems somewhat logical.
“He is of German nationality and Audi has clearly expressed their preference for a German driver, so the situation appears favorable. Let’s wait and see what unfolds next.”
The implications of Hulkenberg’s signing are still uncertain for the Finn, who disclosed that he has been in talks with other competing teams.
“I have to confess, I’m not sure,” he conceded. “It’s clear that I’ve been in discussions with various teams, but progress has been uneven across them. Therefore, only time will tell.”
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The signing of Hulkenberg is the most recent high-profile announcement by a team that is getting ready to be rebranded as Audi in 2026. With the German manufacturer already acquiring complete control of the F1 team, this news adds to their growing list of significant changes.
Bottas expressed, “I believe it signifies a shift in things. You know, change is taking place.”
It is evident that certain changes are intended for the long run. Naturally, I am not aware of all the underlying reasons behind each decision being made, as I previously mentioned.
However, it simply indicates that change is occurring. Individuals are departing while others are arriving. That’s the essence of it.
Stake will line up on the Miami Sprint grid on Saturday chasing their first point of the championship, one of three teams yet to score.
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