Drivers start the British Grand Prix.
Valtteri Bottas warned that “priorities might change” for teams in the F1 2025 driver market, with Carlos Sainz serving as the cork in the bottle.
While slowly the F1 2025 grid is falling into place, it appears the final stage of driver moves cannot happen until Sainz – set to depart Ferrari at the end of 2024 to make room for Lewis Hamilton – decides where his future lies in Formula 1.
Valtteri Bottas F1 2025 twist hint in ‘priorities might change’ verdict
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher and Sam Cooper
Sauber racer Bottas, who is rumored to be considering a move for Sainz, is among the drivers currently in the process of finalizing their plans.
The Swiss team has publicly announced their interest as they get ready for their Audi transition. Additionally, James Vowles, the boss of Williams, has stated that Sainz is their top priority.
In addition to Sauber and Williams needing to find a replacement driver, Mercedes also has the task of finding Hamilton’s successor. Furthermore, Alpine, Haas, and VCARB still have pending announcements to make regarding their F1 2025 drivers.
However, Bottas noted that as time goes on, it is not only the drivers who may experience shifts in priorities.
In an interview with various media outlets, including PlanetF1.com, Bottas expressed that teams awaiting a decision might experience a shift in their priorities.
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Bottas’s desire in Formula 1 is evident – he seeks a “clear project” with well-defined objectives that he can wholeheartedly dedicate himself to for an extended period of time.
When asked if he thinks this boosts his standing in the driver market, Bottas responded by saying, “I am hopeful that it does.”
“I have discussed extensively and ensured that I am committed to specific goals for the upcoming years. Additionally, I am seeking an explicit project that I can actively contribute to and collaborate on.”
“I am fully prepared to make a commitment, confidently asserting that my priorities are well-organized. Therefore, I anticipate being in a favorable position.”
Bottas, whose stall is clearly set out, was questioned about his frustration regarding Sainz’s decision causing a delay in the F1 2025 driver market.
He disagreed, saying, “No, I believe the term ‘frustrating’ is inaccurate. It’s simply the nature of this sport at times.”
However, at some point, the waiting will come to an end and events will unfold, benefiting everyone involved. This is simply how things unfold occasionally.
In the 2024 F1 season, Sauber remains the sole team that hasn’t secured a single point. Their highest achievement so far has been an eleventh-place finish, accomplished by Zhou Guanyu, the teammate of Bottas, at the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix.
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