Bottas admits Sauber stint has damaged his F1 career

Bottas' current seat at Sauber, now fully owned by Audi, is the final one available for 2025. The 10-time grand prix winner, who hasn't managed to score a point this season, admitted he doesn't have a 'plan B'.

"Not yet," said Bottas, who has been linked to a possible switch to Indycar.

"I think I can still concentrate on plan A," he added. "I always stay positive and hope that it works out. I don't have any alternatives in mind yet and hope that I don't need them."

Following the Singapore Grand Prix, many in the F1 world believed Audi-Sauber had offered Bottas a one-year deal for 2025, albeit with a significant pay cut.

But unexpectedly, new Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto has revealed that Mick Schumacher is "definitely" an option to partner Nico Hulkenberg next year.

Bottas believes Sauber should opt for an experienced line-up with himself and 37-year-old Hulkenberg driving the 2025 cars.

"I know Nico well," Bottas said. "We often meet on our travels. He also lives in Monaco. I think we would make a good driver duo.

"In my view, the team needs experience right now, and that obviously means two experienced drivers. So that would be a good fit.

"I would definitely enjoy working with him."

Since parting ways with Mercedes, it's clear that not only has Bottas' lifestyle shifted, but so has how he's perceived within the F1 paddock.

Despite that, he insists he regrets "nothing."

"I can honestly say that I always gave my all," Bottas said. "I've always enjoyed life as well, even when I was more reserved or stressed."

Some critics argue that Bottas may have lost focus on Formula 1 due to his growing interest in cycling and his ventures into business, including wine, gin, and even nicotine pouches.

When asked if his attention has shifted away from F1, Bottas firmly replied: "Of course I'm busy with Formula 1.

"But these other projects are set up so I can choose how much time I want to invest in them. I also have a lot of help, so the workload is kept to a minimum. I simply enjoy it and do it with great passion.

"But I still find the motivation I need to do my best every weekend."

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