Hamilton’s shock resolution to depart Mercedes has energised the motive force market forward of 2025, simply when it gave the impression to be stalling as Ferrari and McLaren moved to tie Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris to long-term offers.
Sauber driver Bottas drove for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 as Hamilton’s team-mate, however the crew determined to interchange the Finn with George Russell from the 2022 season.
Hamilton’s impending transfer means Mercedes is immediately in want of a replacement to race alongside Russell subsequent season, with its choices restricted by the timing of Hamilton’s resolution and people new contracts being issued for fascinating drivers at different groups.
Bottas is coming into what he calls a “contract year” with Sauber, forward of its Audi takeover for 2026.
The Finn stopped wanting expressing a acknowledged want to return to Mercedes given his alternative to safe a long-term future as a part of what he known as the Sauber/Audi “project”, however stated there are “as far as I know, no burned bridges” a few potential return.
“It’s no lie, I was in Brackley the day before actually,” Bottas stated, referencing an Instagram story he posted final week earlier than Hamilton’s Ferrari transfer was introduced, which went viral amongst F1 followers given the placement involved close to the Mercedes base.
“Not on the Mercedes manufacturing unit, however I used to be there doing another stuff. No, we have not spoken on the telephone but with Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team boss].
Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team
Photo by: Jake Grant / Motorsport Images
“And if I’d return, yeah… Well, clearly, my precedence and largest dedication is the Audi mission, which is my goal.
“But if that wouldn’t happen, there’s no team that I wouldn’t go [to] perhaps. I know my priorities and I’ve got my list.”
When requested to offer his response to the Hamilton/Ferrari information at Sauber’s 2024 automotive launch at London’s historic Guildhall on Monday, the Finn stated he was “surprised” by the event as he “never actually thought that could happen”.
He added: “But I believe it is good for him – it is a huge alternative, it is a huge transfer. And clearly, he is made the choice himself.
“[I’m] completely satisfied for him and for certain that is now going to escalate some motion available in the market for 2025. So, in the meanwhile, it is fairly laborious to foretell how it should go.
“I by no means imagined it might occur. And additionally the timing of it. But I’m completely satisfied for him as a result of it is good for him.
“I believe it is a terrific problem. I’m certain it is a huge motivation for him to carry Ferrari to the highest.
“So, it’s kind of cool and it will definitely create some movement for the future, which is good for the whole sport and for some drivers, for sure.”
