Valtteri Bottas admits that he is looking forward to Audi’s entry into the F1 world. The experienced Finnish driver will be 37 years old when his current team switches to Audi engines in the 2026 season.
STT Sports,
Juuso Koskinen
28.10. 16:26•Updated 28.10. 16:30
Valtteri Bottas does not rule out the possibility that he would drive Formula 1 in the 2026 season, when the Sauber team (now known as Alfa Romeo) will run its first season with Audi engines.
The German company announced at the beginning of the week that it will start supplying Sauber with engines from the 2026 season.
– I will be 37 years old then, so why not, Bottas assessed before the F1 weekend in Mexico.
Age is no barrier, because Fernando Alonso signed a contract for the next season at the age of 41. Also Lewis Hamilton37, is believed to be continuing his career.
– Experience has always been valued in Formula 1, but on the other hand, super talented young people have entered the series. I believe that the combination of experience and youth will remain in the formulas, Bottas said.
Bottas has no plans to switch to North American IndyCar tracks, though Racingnews365 website (you are moving to another service) hinted at the Indy option as a career move for Bottas.
– Some people got excited when I said in connection with the Austin race that I like Indy Series races. I’m having a good time in the United States, so I’m open to options, but I’m not going to leave Formula One for a long time, Bottas emphasized.
The stable’s development declines over the course of the season
The Finnish driver believes that Audi will bring a big leap to the team, as the major car manufacturer is ready to invest in the royal class.
– I want to be involved in that process, if it’s possible, Bottas said.
Bottas signed a multi-year contract with Alfa Romeo in September 2021. Bottas’ contract is basically for three years, so he will drive in the team at least until the 2024 season.
Sauber / Alfa Romeo still has a long way to go to reach the level and resources of the top teams in F1. With Audi’s support, the lead can be extended, but the competitiveness of future engines is currently impossible to predict.
– I don’t see an obstacle for us to reach the same level as the best teams. However, the production side should be faster than now, Bottas stated.
– It’s pretty clear that if you’re fighting for tenth place or victory, it affects people differently. Alfa Romeo has potential. I already knew when I joined the team that this is a development process, Bottas concludes.
Alfa Romeo is sixth in the Manufacturers’ World Series with three races to go. Bottas’ ranking in the drivers’ points is tenth, but it’s been months since the last points race.
The Finn aims to return to the points this weekend at the Mexican GP.
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