Valtteri Bottas insists considering Grand Prix victories would be “too ambitious” for Audi’s first seasons in F1.
The Finn, who still hopes to be part of this new project, believes that Audi can hope to score points regularly in its first year, to begin with.
"I expect, realistically, that next year will still be difficult," said Bottas, still waiting for an extension of his contract, at least for 2025.
“There won’t be any miracles. We can’t make crazy efforts in 2025 because of the big changes planned for 2026. From what I’ve heard, Audi wants to be competitive in 2026. But it won’t be not easy.”
“It’s difficult to get into a new sport against manufacturers who have been there for so long.”
“2026 can be a good year, but trying to win immediately is a difficult task. That’s the harsh reality. Scoring regularly is completely realistic for a new team, from what I’ve seen. But winning in of the first seasons, as they announced, it’s too ambitious.”
“But these are just guesses and speculations.”
Bottas explained why he has confidence however in Audi F1’s rise to strength.
“Because the rules have been rewritten, and because of the investment that Audi has put into the project and the people.”
But for now, Sauber/Stake F1 is at the back of the pack. They are the only F1 team in 2024 not to have a single point.
“I’m not expecting miracles. We have improvements planned for Austin. I’m not expecting anything crazy, but improvements can be made. Scoring points this year will be difficult.”
For a driver of Bottas’ experience and stature, a season without points would not look good on his CV.
“It would obviously be bad. I don’t know the history, but it hasn’t happened that many times, for that many teams. If I look at the number of points I’ve scored in my career, it would be difficult .”
“Unfortunately, the opportunities to do this are becoming increasingly rare.”
