With Ferrari and McLaren’s driver line-ups locked in for the 2025 Formula 1 season, there are eight other teams on the grid keeping a very close eye on how their drivers are performing compared to their competitors as they look to create the strongest pairing possible.
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year has thrown up an unexpected variable when it comes to negotiations as Carlos Sainz is now guaranteed to be a free agent.
A report from the German outlet Motorsport Total suggests that those with inside knowledge of the industry believe that one of the most experienced drivers on the grid could be in danger of missing out on a seat.
There may be a few drivers who hope that Sainz ends up doing a straight swap with Hamilton and taking his vacant Mercedes seat.
This would avoid the Spaniard potentially shuffling down the grid and causing someone else to miss out entirely.
However, the likes of Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman and Liam Lawson could also play their part as they look to secure their first full-time seats in Formula 1.
It’s therefore now possible that Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas may lose his seat heading into the 2025 season.
The £150,000-a-week driver is yet to score a point this season and with Audi’s takeover of the newly-named Stake F1 Team on the horizon, it could spell bad news for the Finn.
READ MORE: Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin
Industry experts think Valtteri Bottas could lose his seat in 2025
There’s a desire among some Formula 1 fans – and Eddie Jordan – for some younger drivers to feature on the grid soon.
This winter saw no driver changes for the first time in the sport’s history but that won’t be the case next year.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and Sainz’s eventual move elsewhere means two line-ups are already set to change.
Given Audi have a serious interest in hiring the Spaniard, that could already spell bad news for Bottas or his teammate Zhou Guanyu.
The Finn will be glad that other teams are also keen on the winner of the Australian Grand Prix, but that doesn’t mean Bottas might not lose his seat for 2025.
Valtteri Bottas facing uncertain Formula 1 future
The report from Motorsport Total suggests that ‘industry experts’ believe that it is ‘entirely possible’ that Valtteri Bottas won’t be on the grid next season.
It’s a far cry from his hopes for the future where he has suggested that his ‘number one’ target is to remain with Sauber until they become Audi.
At the moment, hope for the future is the only thing keeping those at Sauber going considering their poor start to the season.
Their pit stop woes have prevented them from challenging for points at the first three races of the season.
They’re currently level at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship with Alpine and Williams hoping to catch the likes of Haas and Visa Cash App RB before the end of the season.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future
Who could replace Valtteri Bottas at Sauber?
As explained earlier, Audi would love to bring Sainz in when his contract expires at Ferrari at the end of the season.
It’s hard to see the Spaniard choosing a long-term project for next year if a potential race-winning seat at Red Bull or Mercedes becomes available.
Audi also really like Nico Hulkenberg and he might switch short-term contracts at Haas for more security at the German manufacturer.
Eddie Jordan has even suggested that he could see Oscar Piastri at Audi one day, although that seems highly unlikely at the moment.
Academy drivers Theo Pourchaire and Zane Maloney might also fancy their chances of earning a race seat.
Bottas may not be too far down Audi’s list of options currently as they’re going to have to wait until the rest of the grid has decided on their line-ups before considering who they want to move forward with.
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