"Whatever you do is not really that visible": Valtteri Bottas opens up on the reality of driving an uncompetitive car in F1 (Exclusive)

Valtteri Bottas believes it’s challenging to stand out in the midfield, especially when driving an uncompetitive car. Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda during the Singapore GP, the Sauber (Stake F1) driver explained that midfield performances are often underrated and difficult to assess solely based on race results.

Daniel Ricciardo also shared similar sentiments in Singapore, noting that with only two points-scoring positions (P9 and P10) realistically available to midfield teams, it becomes harder for experienced drivers to demonstrate their skills and make a noticeable impact. With more than six teams and twelve drivers vying for those limited positions, Bottas agreed that it’s difficult for performance to be fairly evaluated purely on results.

The Finnish driver emphasized that outcomes are largely dictated by the car’s competitiveness, and often, solid performances are overshadowed by the machinery's limitations. In his case, despite not securing points in 2024, Bottas remains committed to giving his best, understanding that sometimes the car’s limitations can undermine a driver’s ability to shine.

Asked by Sportskeeda if he shared Ricciardo’s view on performance in the midfield, Valtteri Bottas said:

“I agree. It's difficult to shine especially that almost feels like we're now behind the midfield you know. So whatever you do is not really that visible in terms of the result. I think sometimes for people it's hard to understand like how actually big difference the car can make in this sport. But I just need to keep doing my best, you know, that's all I can do and hope for a better future.”

Bottas believes that the pressure in Formula 1 is ever-present, regardless of his team’s struggles to score points.

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Valtteri Bottas reckons the pressure has not restricted racing opportunities for the future

Speaking about his 2024 season, the Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas emphasized that he doesn’t allow the pressure to affect his performance or results. Despite Sauber’s challenges, he remains focused and confident in his abilities. Reflecting on his form in 2024, he expressed optimism about his future in the sport, suggesting that it should be resolved soon.

The 10-time Grand Prix winner feels he still has plenty of longevity in F1. His performance compared to teammate Zhou Guanyu has been particularly strong, as Bottas has outqualified Zhou in 17 out of 18 race weekends and outperformed him in 11 races. This consistency has bolstered his confidence as he looks ahead to securing a future spot, potentially with Sauber’s rebranded Audi F1 team for 2025.

Asked by Sportskeeda if the lack of points finishes for the team and his future in question added more pressure on race weekends, Bottas said:

“Well, yeah, I mean in this sport, there's always pressure, different kinds, but it's nothing unusual. I always try to think positive, you know, and stay calm and focus on the things that I can control, which is my performance. There's many things in the sport that you can't control. So I'm not actually stressing too much about it. Eventually things will be sorted one way or the other. And of course I hope for a positive income and that I still have many years in this sport. But yeah so I'm pretty open minded about it all so I think like I said things will be sorted eventually.”

As it stands, Bottas remains a top contender for the 2025 seat at Sauber, which will be rebranded as the Audi F1 team next year. Despite ongoing speculation about his future, Bottas’ qualifying and race statistics against his teammate Zhou Guanyu solidify his reputation as one of the more experienced and reliable senior drivers in the midfield.

While Bottas was outperformed during his time at Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton, he has showcased his ability to hold his own, particularly in the three seasons with Sauber. Against his current teammate, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess, in both qualifying and race performance.

Sauber’s overall performance, however, has been underwhelming, with the team sitting at the bottom of the constructors’ standings in one of their most disappointing seasons in five years. Despite the team’s struggles, Valtteri Bottas’ performance makes him a strong candidate to remain in the seat when the team transitions to its new identity as Audi in 2025.