Valtteri Bottas says that there are “exciting things ahead” after he lost his Sauber seat to Gabriel Bortoleto.
The Finn remained in contention for the drive until the late stages as team boss Matteo Binotto weighed up the pros and cons of taking an experienced driver or a rookie.
Bottas has been linked with a future reserve role elsewhere, notably at Mercedes.
“I think the closer we’re getting to that date, I did definitely figure out that there were other drivers as candidates as well,” he said. “And of course, you start to hear rumours.
“So then in the end, I still thought it’s maybe 50-50 chance. And yeah, I got the call on the Monday. But yeah, at least I know now. I just need to figure out what’s next.”
Asked if he had come to terms with the decision he said: “Yeah, absolutely. You know, life goes on. There’s lots of exciting things ahead.
“And yeah, I’m fine with it. It’s a tricky sport. You know, I think I got into a bit unlucky situation, in terms of hanging on to the last seat on the grid. And when that doesn’t happen, then obviously you’re out for now.
“I was talking to lots of people earlier, because obviously by the end of your contract year you want to figure out but nothing went further and I still always showed my interest for the Audi project. But it just wasn’t meant to be and like I said, a bit unlucky.”
Bottas made it clear that he still feels he has a future in F1.
“The way my active F1 driving career ended for now, it wasn’t the best way that you can’t really decide yourself. I feel like still I have lots to give for the sport and I still love it.
“I love the racing against the best drivers in the world, in the best cars in the world. That’s what I love. So I’m just trying to figure out now what is the next move. So yeah, I don’t really have that much more. I’m taking it day by day. There’s some interesting stuff on the table, and then we’ll see.”
He downplayed the chances of driving in another category in 2025: For me, at the moment, I feel like jumping into a new category comes quite quick. We’re almost in December.
“So yeah, I think that would be more realistic that if I didn’t find a seat in F1 during ‘25 or for ‘26, then probably would be from ‘26. But it’s all these things that I need to kind of try and plan. But the picture is starting to form in my head what is the ideal situation.”
Adam Cooper F1 