Formula 1 News: Bottas Hints Williams Moved On from Sainz Pursuit as Priorities Change
Valtteri Bottas has suggested that Williams Racing may have shifted its focus away from securing Carlos Sainz for the 2025 Formula 1 season, citing that teams’ “priorities change.” This development comes after Williams team principal James Vowles declared Sainz as his top target, with an agreement reportedly close between the two parties.
However, Alpine’s sudden interest in Sainz during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend last month has prompted the Spanish driver to prolong his decision, while Mercedes has also not ruled him out as an option. Rumors have surfaced that Williams is cautious about waiting too long and missing out on other top names, as Vowles seeks a committed driver.
Bottas, a former Mercedes teammate of Lewis Hamilton, has emerged as a back-up option for Williams, and he was spotted engaging in talks with Vowles in the Silverstone paddock last weekend. The Finn, who is set to leave Sauber at the end of this season, revealed that discussions regarding his Formula 1 prospects are progressing in a positive direction.
“I feel things are starting to progress and get closer, I think, in a good way, hopefully,” Bottas said. “But, still have nothing to announce here and nothing has been signed.”
Despite this, Bottas remains optimistic about his chances of securing a seat for the 2025 Formula 1 season, stating that he is “99 per cent” certain of returning to the grid.
Bottas’ previous experience working with Vowles during his time at Mercedes between 2017 and 2020 could strengthen his bid for a return to Williams. “For sure he knows that and it helps when you work with people that know what you can do, like I said,” he explained.
When asked about the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future, Bottas denied that the continuous wait has become a frustrating experience, instead choosing to view it as an exciting part of the sport. “It’s not frustrating. It’s actually exciting,” he said. “I mean, it’s part of the sport and we’re actually still in July.”
Bottas hinted that Williams may no longer be waiting for Sainz to make his decision, suggesting that the team’s priorities might have shifted. “And I guess sometimes the teams that are waiting for a decision, their priorities might change at some point, as well,” he explained.
The 10-time Formula 1 race winner hopes to secure a multi-term contract and is targeting an announcement before the summer break. “I’ve made sure with the talks that I have that I want clear goals for the years ahead, a clear project that I can be part of and work for together, and I’m ready to commit,” Bottas said.
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