F1 driver sends rumor mill into overdrive as he drops a big hint about his future with Audi
F1 driver Valtteri Bottas recently posted cryptic pictures with an Audi R8 supercar. These have sparked rumors about whether the Finn could stay in Sauber as it merges with Audi in 2026.
In 2022, the Volkswagen-held brand had announced that it would enter the sport by acquiring Sauber's (formerly Alfa Romeo) F1 team. Following this, several rumors flew about a brand new lineup the second driver for which has not been locked in for when the team enters the sport after the merger.
In May 2024, Nico Hulkenberg's 2025 hiring was announced with the German continuing till 2026 and onward as Audi enters F1. The question of the second seat remains. As of now, Zhou Guanyu and Bottas drive for Sauber. Either one of them could stay on the Swiss team, or it could bring in a new driver.
Recently, however, Valtteri Bottas dropped a major hint about his future with the team through Instagram. He posted pictures of him sitting on the road beside an Audi R8 with his racing number stickered on it. The car is predominantly white with black accents, and the Finnish driver is wearing his team's t-shirt and hat.
Further, Bottas said in the caption that he had a fun day collaborating with Hyland Gram, a technology company with which he previously appeared in a comedic Olympic-themed advertisement.
"Fun day in California. More to come eventually about our secret mission with @hylandgram #VB77 #Hyland @stakef1team," it reads.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Bottas or from Sauber about the driver's future with the team.
Valtteri Bottas on his future in F1 and with Sauber/Audi
Valtteri Bottas recently talked about his future options and stated that staying with Sauber as it morphs into Audi is one of them. Speaking to Pit Debrief, he explained that substantial changes are expected in Sauber ahead of 2026, possibly including the driver lineup.
“I feel like at the moment they want quite a lot of change in the team. Probably the same thing with the driver line-up,” Bottas said. "That’s how I read the situation. But they are willing to wait for a long time. But I can’t forever, so this team is definitely still an option."
“I think I need to do my choice quickly. Nothing has been confirmed or signed yet from my side, so no really big news since last week. Still working with all the options that there are, and need to make a move soon. That’s basically where I’m at,” he added.
Currently, Bottas is 21st in the Drivers' Championship with no points. His teammate, Zhou Guanyu is 19th and has also not scored any points.