Bottas to leave Sauber after F1 2024; Mercedes reunion expected

Valtteri Bottas will leave Sauber after the 2024 Formula 1 season, but is apparently already close to re-signing with Mercedes as a reserve driver from next year.

In a terrible year for Sauber – still the only team without a point in 2024 – Bottas' place was also at risk beyond the deal he made to leave Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season, when Sauber traded as Alfa Romeo as the plans for Audi's arrival in 2026 are accelerating.

Sauber initially hired Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg for the 2025 season before renaming Audi for the following year. Bottas' teammate Zhou Guanyu left the team.

Sauber then experienced a turbulent period of management change, in which the previous bosses – former CEO Andrea Seidl and chairman Oliver Hoffmann – were fired and former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto was hired as chief operating officer and chief technical officer. Red Bull sports director Johnathan Wheatley will also be Sauber team boss from 2025.

Last weekend in Brazil, Bottas said that signing a new contract with Sauber is still “what I'm pushing for with Mattia.”

But over the weekend of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Motorsport.com reported that Formula 2 leader Gabriel Bortoleto had agreed a deal to drive for the Swiss team next year after securing the signing of Williams-bound Carlos Sainz, his long-time driver the longed-for goal.

Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber C44

Photo by: Lubomir Asenov / Motorsport Images

“Such a situation is not easy for anyone,” said Bottas. “But after all the good and intensive discussions we have had in the last few weeks, it became clear to us that the conditions for this project to grow together were not present.

“The past few years with the team have been an incredible journey full of growth, challenges and unforgettable moments. I am grateful for the shared experiences and the trust and support I felt every step of the way.”

“Although it is time to move on, I will always carry a part of this team with me and look forward to seeing what the future holds for both of us.”

Mattia Binotto, COO & CTO, Sauber Motorsport AG, added: “We express our deepest gratitude to Valtteri for the last three years together. He was the epitome of professionalism and used his extensive experience to support the team's growth.

“Valtteri's commitment and approach were invaluable at a crucial time in our history and the memories of these years will remain with us for a long time. When considering our driver line-up for the coming seasons, Valtteri was undoubtedly a key candidate.”

“With his fighting spirit, he repeatedly pushed the car beyond its performance limits. However, a decision had to be made. After open and constructive discussions, we mutually came to the conclusion that the final conditions could not be met and so we agreed that it is time to part ways. “Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil.”

Sauber's decision means Bottas' current F1 racing career will likely be limited to 10 wins from 246 races at the end of the current season in Abu Dhabi next month.

But he could imagine even more action with his former team after saying that returning to what he called the “Mercedes family” at Interlagos was “certainly an option and I would think about it.”

Motorsport.com understands that talks between Mercedes and Bottas have been underway for several weeks and that the team will field a team in 2025 made up of drivers it has supported through to Formula 1 – George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Although the journey back to full-time racing from a reserve role is difficult, Formula 1 has seen an increase in super sub appearances in recent years.

This was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Hulkenberg in particular landing a number of unexpected gigs for what is now Aston Martin after leaving Renault at the end of 2019.

Injured replacement drivers were required elsewhere and this year Williams dispensed with Logan Sargeant well before the end of the current season, but opted to replace him with junior driver Franco Colapinto.

But Hulkenberg's story is particularly relevant to Bottas as it was his regular spot in the F1 paddock as Aston's reserve that helped him stay in regular contact with then-Haas team boss Günther Steiner and ultimately come to a deal when Full starter to get back on the starting grid. Time trial with the American team in 2023.

It is currently unknown when a deal for Bottas to return to Mercedes will be announced, but Sauber is expected to confirm the deal for Bortoleto – currently a McLaren junior – this week.