Source – planetf1.com
Valtteri Bottas could be making a dramatic return to Williams next year, as negotiations between the two parties progress smoothly. From the start of the season, it was evident that Sauber had not prioritized retaining Bottas, leading the Finnish driver to explore options with several midfield teams. Among these, Williams has emerged as the most likely destination.
This season has been a tough one for Bottas, with the driver sitting at the bottom of the Championship standings, one of only three drivers yet to score a point. The uncompetitive C44 machine has made it a challenging campaign for the 10-time race winner. Even when Bottas came close to scoring points in races like Australia and China, operational errors from Sauber proved costly. This pattern of mistakes is not new for the Swiss team, which squandered significant points with a more competitive car in the previous season.
Sauber’s ongoing performance issues have affected contract negotiations for Bottas. While F1 teams do consider a driver’s long-term abilities, recent performances inevitably influence contract discussions. Being in one of the weakest cars on the grid puts Bottas at a significant disadvantage. If he were driving a car capable of scoring points regularly, his negotiations would likely be more favorable.
Despite the challenges, there is strong interest in Bottas from Williams. His experience and skill make him a valuable asset, even if he has been driving uncompetitive machinery recently. Bottas has been waiting on the decision of Carlos Sainz, who has been the most sought-after driver available. However, Sainz’s prolonged decision-making process has led teams like Williams to look elsewhere. Team principal James Vowles has expressed interest in Sainz, but if the Ferrari driver remains uncommitted, Vowles is ready to move forward.
With Sainz taking his time to sign a 2025 contract, Williams is now focused on Bottas as their top choice to partner with Alex Albon next season. Negotiations have already started, and it seems likely that Bottas will be the leading candidate for the British team.
A move to Williams would mark a significant chapter for Bottas, pairing him with Albon to form a strong and experienced driver lineup. Bottas’s return to Williams would underscore the team’s ambition and commitment to improving their performance in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
