Valtteri Bottas gave an interesting interview two days after his departure from Sauber, but not from F1.
In Abu Dhabi, just 48 hours ago, Valtteri Bottas temporarily ended his Formula 1 career, and he did not do so indifferently. From the bill paid at the usual drivers’ dinner to the fireworks of the Grand Prix, as evidenced by his collisions with Perez and Magnussen. In short, it was a memorable way to say goodbye to the Circus, for now.
The Finnish driver, in an interview, made important statements about his recent past and his future. These are Bottas’ words: “Staying at Sauber in 2023 was a mistake, but we can’t predict the future. Everything started well in the first year, but then it was a continuous decline.”
Bottas then added: “There was a clear plan with objectives over three years, including all the details. But those plans and goals went out the window when Fred left; we have a good relationship, and I understand him: if Ferrari calls, you go. I had an option in my contract: if Fred leaves, I can leave too. But then Audi was confirmed, and I was always told I would be at the center of the project. Obviously, that didn’t happen.”
The Finnish driver concluded: “I hope to have a chance in the future, maybe with a new team; I believe there will be opportunities. For now, I need to keep driving, make sure I get some tests, stay involved, with one foot still in Formula 1.”