Audi-owned Sauber is expected to finalize its decision on Nico Hulkenberg's teammate for the 2025 season by the end of October, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
This follows the team missing its original September deadline for announcing its driver lineup.
It's the last open spot on the 2025 Formula 1 grid, and after the Singapore Grand Prix, many believed Valtteri Bottas had secured a new contract with the team.
However, reports from Blick and Bild later suggested that the 34-year-old Finn may have hurt his chances by requesting a higher salary and a multi-year deal, beyond just a one-season extension.
"As far as I understand, the terms we have talked about are all ok," Bottas explained in Austin. "Audi should have a sufficient budget for that, so I don't think that's the problem."
There have also been growing rumors in the paddock that Volkswagen, Audi's parent company, is facing significant financial troubles, with reports indicating the company has fallen short of its car sales targets by 500,000 units annually. This has led to speculation that Volkswagen might consider offloading its Formula 1 program.
"This is VW's biggest crisis since the early 90s," one industry expert told the Financial Times.
Bottas said he continues to have weekly discussions with new Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto, but he acknowledged that the team has alternative options for its second seat.
"It's not in my hands anymore," he admitted. "I'll try to do my best this weekend and hopefully that will push things forward."
"I think I've said before that I was hoping to have the contract resolved before Austin, but at the moment I'm still waiting. So I think it's more a question for Mattia now, not for me. I've been told that there is nothing I can do at the moment."
Last week, Binotto stated that Mick Schumacher remains "definitely" an option for the seat, while Williams boss James Vowles has offered to loan out Franco Colapinto.
"I believe I should be in this car," Bottas said. "That would be in the best interest of the team."
The Finnish driver expressed his desire to continue in Formula 1, but also acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation.
"I love Formula 1 and I want to continue so it's a bit of a strange situation at the moment for me. In the end, it will come down to a decision between experience and youth."
Bottas also hinted that the prolonged delay in finalizing a deal could limit his backup options.
"It's heading towards the Christmas holidays, and by that time there are basically no places anywhere - either outside F1 or in other roles in F1. So of course there is a deadline for me and I hope a decision will be made soon." body check tags ::
