Finland’s Valtteri Bottas bemoans Sauber’s misguided decision as an audacious promise from Audi to fund his F1 venture is laid bare.

Valtteri Bottas expressed disappointment and regret over his decision to leave Mercedes and join Sauber in 2022. Despite a strong start, the team’s performance declined, and Bottas was shown the door at the end of the 2024 season. Bottas attributed his decision to join Sauber to the team’s promise of a clear plan and targets for three years, which were abandoned when team principal Fred Vasseur left to join Ferrari. Bottas confirmed that he had an option to leave Sauber if Vasseur did, but didn’t exercise it. Instead, he was told he would be a “pillar” for Audi F1’s 2026 project, but that didn’t materialize either. As a result, Bottas is currently without a drive for the 2025 season.