Sauber Motorsport operational director and technical director Mattia Binotto admits it was a difficult decision for him to replace Valtteri Bottas with Gabriel Bortoleto in 2025.
Bortoleto was confirmed this Wednesday, finalizing a brand new team for next season consisting of the Brazilian rookie and Nico Hulkenberg.
It means there is no more place for Bottas, 35, on the grid and Binotto admits the winner of ten Grands Prix was one of the main contenders for the seat, but that the time seemed right to introduce a young driver as Stake moves to Audi factory team for 2026.
“I get along very well with Valtteri,” Binotto said, when asked about the reasons for his decision.
“It's been a great relationship since I started here in August, we've built it up, we trust each other. And I think we've really established and had good communication between us. We've had several discussions about the adventure and its length on the one hand and the duration of his contract on the other, and the difficulties that we may face in the coming seasons.”
“We all know that the next season will be difficult for the team, still on the path towards transformation for Audi F1. It's a long road. I think we have thought a lot together about the duration, and that's where I came to the conclusion that perhaps we should have a young pilot with us.”
“So the whole thing with him has been a mutual understanding, let’s say, if not an agreement, certainly a mutual understanding – of the situation, the facts and what is required.”
“More than that, I would like to point out that I think he has certainly been an excellent candidate for the seat. I know he is very fast. And he has proven that he is very fast even today, that he is very fit, that he knows the team He is certainly very well appreciated here, and he is very highly rated in the paddock.
“So overall it hasn't been easy, but sometimes you have to come to a conclusion and make a decision. And we did that.”
