Formula 1|Long-time motorsports journalist Roger Benoit opened up his views on Bottas’ situation.
Finland the only current Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas the situation speaks for itself, and now a long-time motorsports journalist is putting his own spoon in the soup Roger Benoit.
To the Swiss Blick magazine writer Benoit opens up his views on Bottas’ future and also sheds light on the salary structure of the Sauber team this season.
Bottas’ future in F1 depends on one card. Continuation with Sauber is the only option, as the other team places are already filled.
The problem is that Sauber, which will become Audi’s factory team for the 2026 season, does not want to offer the minimum two-year contract that Bottas is looking for. In addition, Bottas is not the team’s only option for a German Nico Hülkenberg alongside.
According to Benoit, Hülkenberg’s compatriot is not going to be the second driver, ie Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher would be out of the bills.
Also the 2023 F2 series champion Theo Pourchaire, 21, and currently third in the F2 series Zane Maloney20, according to Benoit, do not meet the stable’s requirements. Both are Sauber Academy drivers.
“Lack of trust makes Hinwil’s academy practically unnecessary,” Benoit writes.
Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto19, is the current runner-up in the F2 series and has also entered into the discussion as Bottas’ racing partner for a team position. He also wants a two-year contract with Benoit.
Benoit sees choosing Bortoleto as at least a cheaper option for the team. According to Benoit, Bottas would again demand a salary of one million, which, according to the Konkar journalist, is largely paid to Chinese drivers in recent years Guanyu Zhoun with the money brought to the stable. Zhou’s F1 career will almost certainly end this season.
Hülkenberg has only one wish for his future teammate.
“Fortunately it is [valinta] is not my job. I just want a sensible man by my side,” Hülkenberg commented according to Blick.
Sauber has run the entire season without a single points scorer. The next opportunity to open a points account is September 15 in Azerbaijan.