It’s no longer a secret that Williams Racing will almost certainly have a new driver in the team next season.
Alex Albon signed a contract extension ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and team principal James Vowles wants to build the manufacturer’s future around him.
A report from The Race has shared more details about who could be his next teammate.
Logan Sargeant has had another very tough start to the season and Vowles found fault with one aspect of his race weekend in Imola.
The American is going to need to be perfect for the next few Grand Prix to stand any chance of retaining his seat.
Even if he manages to match or beat Albon in Monaco, it may already be too late for him to stay on the grid next season.
However, suggestions that Williams have already signed Valtteri Bottas for 2025 are jumping the gun.
The ‘standout’ Finn – as described by Lewis Hamilton – looks set to lose his place at Sauber next year ahead of Audi’s takeover.
It means he’s putting himself on the market and is one of the most enticing options for teams hoping to improve their line-ups heading into next year.
READ MORE: Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin
Williams yet to confirm Valtteri Bottas for 2025 F1 season
It would be unfair to suggest that Williams have taken a step backwards in 2024 but they certainly haven’t made the same strides forward as many of their rivals.
Alex Albon outperformed last year’s Williams to singlehandedly earn the team a 7-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship and the lucrative prize money that comes with it.
And while the FW46 is a better-balanced car, it has a lower top speed than last year’s machine and it was revealed at Imola that the car is overweight.
This has hampered their efforts so far and although they’re only one point worse off at this stage of the season compared to last year, it’s worth pointing out that Williams had at least scored that single point by this stage in 2023.
Williams aren’t the best-placed team on the grid at the moment but the potential is clear to see under Vowles, making them one of the better options for free agents on the grid.
That may be one of the reasons why a return to Williams in 2025 appeals to Valtteri Bottas.
However, The Race suggests that any report suggesting that a deal is not done is ‘wide of the mark’, giving Sargeant a tiny bit of hope that his F1 dream isn’t over.
READ MORE: Williams driver Logan Sargeant’s life outside F1 from height to Donald Trump ties
What would Valtteri Bottas offer Williams?
Looking strictly at points tallies this season, Valtteri Bottas has had a tough campaign at Sauber.
However, that barely paints a picture of his performance and he’s consistently outperformed teammate Zhou Guanyu this year.
Not only that, but he should have scored points in the first few races were it not for some terrible pit stops.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes relationship
Bottas is well known for being one of the best drivers on the grid when it comes to delivering feedback to engineers.
Given Williams are still struggling towards the back of the grid, having the experienced Finn in the car instead of Sargeant should theoretically speed up their development.
Bottas may not be confirmed for Williams in 2025 just yet, but they should be doing everything they can to bring him in with other teams circling.
The post Report: Suggestion Williams have already signed ‘standout’ driver to replace Sargeant is ‘wide of the mark’ appeared first on F1 Oversteer.