Following a disappointing P18 finish at Imola, Valtteri Bottas is making headlines in the F1 world. The Sauber driver visited the Williams paddock during the 2024 Emilia Romagna GP weekend on Saturday.
Moreover, the Finnish racer has now marked himself as one of the favourites to take over the Williams seat in 2025.
Valtteri Bottas Reportedly Set to Rejoin Williams in 2025 F1 Season
Having joined Sauber back in 2022, Valtteri Bottas is facing a tough time with the Hinwil-based outfit in the 2024 season. The Finnish racer is out of contract after this season, resulting in an uncertain future at Sauber.
However, several media outlets, are heavily linking the Finn to rejoining his former team, Williams F1. The British team are also currently looking to replace the ‘under-pressure’ Logan Sergeant in 2025.
Valtteri Bottas fuelled these reports when he visited the Williams’ paddock at the Imola circuit this Saturday. He also had a chat with the team’s boss, James Vowles, during the 15-minute stay.
In the post-qualifying interview, he reflected on this conversation, stating it as a ‘normal chat about life’. But, he also hinted at the possibility of driving for Williams again, by quoting:
“Of course, when you’re on the free market, you want to check around what’s out there. It’s a pretty normal situation, being you’re on the free market.”
— Valtteri Bottas during Saturday’s post-qualifying interview at Imola
Earlier on Thursday, Vowles also admitted that Williams are evaluating their options for 2025/2026, with Bottas believed to be among the favourites. Reflecting on the team’s 2025 options, he said:
“I’m looking and, at the moment, it’s about three options for 2025/’26, it’s as simple as that. When we’re in a position where I can talk about it openly, which won’t be long, we will do.”
— James Vowles during Thursday’s press conference at Imola
Plus, Williams’ representatives cleverly dismissed this report, calling it ‘nothing more than the usual silly season speculation.’ Talking about this, they told:
“There are always rumours in F1, and we aren’t paying any attention to them.”
– Williams’ representatives on signing Bottas
However, they also gave a hint of signing up their former racer, by adding:
“We always have an eye on the future and are assessing our options for 2025 and beyond.”
— Williams’ representatives on their 2025 options.
In any case, the Williams Team Principal has admitted that we can expect a deal in the following weeks. As per report, they could announce it next month, around the Canadian Grand Prix.
As for now, Valtteri Bottas and Williams will next face off at the Circuit de Monaco on May 26.