Overview
- Bottas told Motorsport Week he was "pretty close" to re-signing with Williams for 2025, with a contract already prepared.
- He said the opportunity ended when Williams secured Carlos Sainz following Sainz's departure from Ferrari.
- Sauber chose rookie Gabriel Bortoleto for 2025 instead of renewing Bottas, leaving him without a race seat.
- Bottas spent this season as Mercedes' third driver and has a confirmed 2026 return with Cadillac alongside Sergio Perez.
- Williams' upturn under Vowles and Sainz includes a podium in Baku and a points haul leading the midfield.