Valtteri Bottas, a ten-time Formula 1 race winner and former Mercedes driver, has labeled his decision to join Sauber in 2022 as a “mistake.” The Finnish driver made the candid admission following a difficult 2024 season, which ended without a single point and left Sauber at the bottom of the constructors’ standings.
Bottas Reflects on Sauber Stint After Abu Dhabi GP Exit
Speaking after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a collision with Kevin Magnussen forced his retirement, Bottas expressed regret over his three-year stint with Sauber. “It was a mistake, but we can’t predict the future,” he stated.
The 35-year-old driver initially joined Sauber (then branded Alfa Romeo) after a highly successful tenure with Mercedes, where he achieved consistent podium finishes and race wins. However, his time with Sauber quickly unraveled, leaving Bottas questioning his move.
A Promising Start That Faded Quickly
Bottas revealed that his decision to join Sauber was influenced by Fred Vasseur, the team principal at the time, and the ambitious plans laid out for the team’s growth.
“There was a clear plan for targets for the three years, and also how to get there,” Bottas explained. “But those plans and targets went into the bin when [Vasseur] left.”
In 2023, Vasseur departed Sauber to lead Ferrari, a move Bottas described as understandable. “For a team principal, if you have a chance to go to Ferrari, you go,” he said.
Despite Vasseur’s departure, Bottas chose to remain at Sauber after assurances from Audi, the team’s incoming owners, that he would be a cornerstone of their future F1 project. However, those promises never materialized, leaving Bottas disillusioned with his position in the team.
Sauber’s Decline in Performance
Bottas’ first year with Sauber in 2022 showed promise. Driving under the Alfa Romeo banner, he consistently delivered top-10 finishes, highlighted by a fifth-place result at Imola. He ended the season in 10th place in the drivers’ standings with 49 points.
The team’s performance plummeted in 2023, and Bottas scored only 10 points across the season. The situation worsened in 2024, with Bottas failing to score any points for the first time in his F1 career.
Teammate Zhou Guanyu managed the team’s only points of 2024, finishing eighth in Qatar. Sauber finished last in the constructors’ championship, signaling a disappointing end to Bottas’ tenure with the team.
Bottas’ Uncertain Future in Formula 1
With Nico Hülkenberg and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto set to replace Bottas and Zhou for Sauber’s final season before rebranding as Audi, Bottas faces an uncertain future. Reports suggest he could return to Mercedes in 2025 as a reserve driver.
However, Bottas has not ruled out a return to full-time racing. With Cadillac set to join the F1 grid in 2026, Bottas hinted at potential opportunities with the new team. “That’s what I hope for, and that’s the target. I think there will be opportunities. But for that, I still need to keep driving, make sure I get some testing, and stay involved,” he said.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for F1 Drivers
Valtteri Bottas’ decision to leave a championship-contending team like Mercedes for Sauber has proven to be a stark reminder of the risks involved in Formula 1 career moves. While his time at Sauber has been challenging, Bottas remains optimistic about his future in the sport, with his sights set on new opportunities.
Whether as a reserve driver or a potential starter for Cadillac in 2026, Bottas is determined to remain a part of Formula 1. Fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on his journey as he seeks redemption after a tumultuous stint with Sauber.
