The ultimate actual emptiness on the 2025 grid is popping into a transparent two-horse race between Valtteri Bottas and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
Not too way back, it appeared apparent that Bottas, 34, was set to lose his race seat at Audi-owned Sauber – reportedly resulting in exploratory talks with Indycar groups.
However when requested at Baku if he’s nonetheless in these talks, the Finn advised reporters: “Not anymore.”
Bottas additionally answered a easy “sure” if he’s nonetheless 99 % certain he’ll stay with the Sauber past his expiring 2024 contract.
“I shouldn’t say a lot, however that is the scenario now, even when there’s nonetheless so much to debate. However we’re getting in the best path,” he insisted, revealing he’s in common contact together with his new boss Mattia Binotto.
“We’ve had a number of litres of espresso,” Bottas laughed, “and we’re nonetheless negotiating, issues are progressing and I’m nonetheless optimistic about Components 1, however clearly either side must be blissful.”
It’s believed Binotto is reluctant to decide now, as attention-grabbing names could quickly all of the sudden seem on the open market – like Liam Lawson.
However Kleine Zeitung newspaper believes Lawson shall be confirmed by Pink Bull’s junior workforce RB as quickly as this weekend in Azerbaijan.
So, Bottas apart, the opposite main candidate to be Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate subsequent 12 months is the spectacular rookie and F2 frontrunner Bortoleto, a 19-year-old Brazilian.
He’s managed by Fernando Alonso’s group, A14 Administration, and has reportedly obtained permission by the McLaren improvement program to barter with Audi.
“Let’s see what the longer term brings,” Alonso mentioned in Baku when requested about Bortoleto’s possibilities. “However, you realize, it’s a matter of time earlier than he will get to F1.”
