Sauber is currently undergoing a major shift as it gears up for Audi’s takeover, which will officially commence in 2026. As part of this preparation, the team has already begun setting the stage for its future, with Nico Hulkenberg signed as a key part of the plan. 

With Hulkenberg secured, only one seat remains at Sauber, and several candidates are in the running for the full-time spot.

In the past few weeks it seemed like Gabriel Bortoleto, talented F2 driver who is currently leading the series championship, is the hottest candidate for the seat as reportedly Sauber even had talks with McLaren about releasing him from their programme in favor of Sauber.

That would mean that Sauber will drop both of their current drivers and start with a fresh line-up in 2025. However, just before the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, rumours about Valtteri Bottas’ contract renewal swirled around saying that the Finnish driver had signed a one-year extension with his current team.

According to Sauber, these rumours are not based on truth. 

"This is all just speculation," Sauber spokesperson stated for German newspaper Bild.

"Nothing has been decided yet. There will be a decision at the end of September at the earliest.”

During post-qualifying interviews in Singapore, Bottas himself addressed the speculations.

“Fake news, that's what you can say about that," Bottas told Viaplay.

"Nothing is signed.”

“A one-year contract is not my goal here, but we'll see more next week. Let's keep a cool head,” he added.