“We just haven’t found those steps”: Valtteri Bottas highlights Lando Norris-led McLaren’s upgrade gains in making point around Sauber
Valtteri Bottas believes that Sauber’s struggles to improve their performance stem from their inability to upgrade the car. In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, the Finnish driver noted that instability in the team’s upper management has also negatively impacted results.
With Sauber set to be rebranded as Audi in 2025, the team has undergone significant changes this year. Sauber Group CEO Andreas Seidl and Chairman Oliver Hoffman have both departed, while former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer. He will be joined next year by Jonathan Wheatley, who will take on the role of team principal.
Currently, Sauber has not scored a point in the last 18 races, placing them at the bottom of the constructors’ championship. Bottas feels that the lack of car upgrades and stable leadership is evident in their on-track performance. He emphasized that a turnaround similar to McLaren’s in 2023 is unlikely without significant upgrades.
However, he remains hopeful that the team can improve starting from the US Grand Prix. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, the 35-year-old driver mentioned that the team plans to introduce upgrades for the upcoming triple-header beginning in Austin.
Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport in an interview, Bottas said:
“We just couldn't bring upgrades that were big enough. There were indeed improvements during the season, but unfortunately, they were only minor. We just haven't found those steps, like McLaren, for example. We also lacked stability at the leadership level. That certainly didn't help either. I hope that we can now find the necessary stability and start the turnaround.”
Valtteri Bottas believes his career could have been damaged with the tenure at Sauber
Valtteri Bottas believes his three-year tenure at Sauber has altered perceptions of his talent. He feels that competing in the midfield has not helped his image and may have hindered his prospects for future employment. Speaking to Sportskeeda in Singapore, the ten-time Grand Prix winner expressed confidence in renewing his contract with Sauber, which will be rebranded as Audi in 2025.
However, recent reports have suggested that Mick Schumacher and Franco Colapinto are in contention for the same seat. Additionally, speculation linked Bottas to a potential move to the IndyCar series, which he denied. He emphasized that he has no alternative plans and remains focused on continuing his career in Formula 1.
Asked if the lack of success at Sauber has dented his chances of a drive in 2025, Valtteri Bottas said:
“It certainly didn't help. So the last few years have probably done a bit of damage to my career.”
Asked about a potential move to the IndyCar series, he replied:
“Not yet. I think I can still concentrate on plan A. I always stay positive and hope that it works out. I don't have any alternatives in mind yet and hope that I don't need them.”
With Sauber struggling to score points, both drivers have faced challenges to make a significant impact in the midfield. However, Valtteri Bottas has consistently outperformed his teammate Zhou Guanyu, finishing ahead in 17 out of 18 qualifying sessions and 11 out of 18 races.
In his interview with Sportskeeda, Bottas expressed confidence that Mattia Binotto recognized his ability to deliver despite the team’s limitations, which he believed strengthens his prospects for securing a contract for 2025.