Valtteri Bottas is set to conclude his Formula 1 career with Sauber after three more races, having confirmed that he will not continue with the team next season. Sauber announced that both Bottas and his teammate Zhou Guanyu would leave the team due to conditions that could not be met, primarily focusing on the length of their contracts. Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto explained that discussions about the team’s future direction and the challenges they will face led to the decision that a younger driver would be more suitable for the team’s transformation. This decision, though mutual, signals the end of Bottas’ current F1 tenure with Sauber.
Bottas’ exit from Sauber leaves him without a seat for the following season, as all other teams, except for Red Bull, have confirmed their driver line-ups. Despite this, there are rumors about Bottas returning to Mercedes in a reserve or test driver role. However, Bottas has been more focused on embracing the unknown future and enjoying life beyond the grid. Through his Instagram, Bottas has shared glimpses of his activities, including jet-skiing, yoga, and food tastings, emphasizing that he is not concerned about the end of his full-time F1 career.
In addition to these leisure activities, Bottas has also been keeping fit in unique ways, including training for an Ironman competition. He humorously shared that his fun activities include completing Ironman distances in one go, consisting of a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride, and a 42.2km run. This highlights Bottas’ passion for fitness and adventure, even outside the pressures of F1 racing. His ability to remain active and engaged in new challenges showcases his positive outlook on life after F1.
Bottas expressed excitement for the future in his farewell statement, saying, “When one door closes, another one opens,” showing that he is looking forward to new opportunities, whether they lie within motorsport or outside it. As he wraps up his time with Sauber, Bottas is aiming for his first points of the season in the final triple-header, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix being his last chance to secure them. This provides a fitting finale to his time with the team, where he has been an important figure throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Sauber will undergo a major transformation next season, fielding a completely new driver lineup consisting of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Borotoleto. As Bottas steps away from his full-time racing career, he is poised to leave behind a legacy of 10 Grand Prix wins and a promising future in motorsport, potentially in test or reserve roles, while also embracing new adventures outside of racing. His decision to explore “what’s next” is a testament to his readiness for whatever the future may bring.