Valtteri Bottas has floundered at the back of the field this season in Formula 1, struggling with an underdeveloped Sauber.
The Finnish driver has struggled to make an impression this season while being stuck at the back of the field alongside his teammate Zhou Guanyu.
Bottas has had a successful career in Formula 1, winning 10 races during the five-year stint at Mercedes before moving to Alfa Romeo in 2022.
His career in Formula 1 could be coming to an end as there are a lot of young talents, such as Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto, looking to take his drive.
Despite not competing for Mercedes in F1, Bottas still has a relationship with the team principal, Toto Wolff, which The Race’s Mark Hughes speculated could open more doors in the future.
Valtteri Bottas’ relationship with Toto Wolff could lead to him racing at Le Mans
Bottas is clinging on to his career in Formula 1 after a season that has failed to hit the headlines while he has been stuck at the back of the grid.
Sauber are taking on Nico Hulkenberg for next season, who is also very experienced and will be looking to lead them into the Audi era from 2026 onwards.
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Bottas would be a reliable signing for Sauber, which have struggled over the ground effect era and failed to improve a season in the midfield.
Despite fighting for the championship in Formula 2 with two rounds to go, Juan Pablo Montoya has doubts over Bortoleto’s suitability for Sauber.
Hughes speculated that Bottas’ relationship with Wolff could lead to a future collaboration at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Valtteri Bottas also feels IndyCar could be a career option
IndyCar has become more competitive in recent years, with a lot of Formula 1 drivers moving to North America, such as Romain Grosjean and Marcus Ericsson.
He would like to race in the championship and explained that IndyCar would be Bottas’ main option outside of Formula 1.
Ovals would be a challenge to adjust to as they are very unforgiving, leaving little room for error over a race distance.
Some F1 drivers, such as Ericsson, have adapted well, and he won the Indy 500 in 2022 for Chip Ganassi Racing.