Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has voiced his support for Valtteri Bottas to retain his seat at Audi-Sauber for 2025.
Amid rumors surrounding who will fill the last genuine vacancy on next year's grid, several young talents—including Mick Schumacher—have been linked to the seat.
However, Montoya believes keeping Bottas is the best option.
Although Swiss journalist Roger Benoit expressed concern over the team's decision to reportedly stick with Bottas, Montoya sees it differently. Benoit, writing for Blick, had stated: "Bottas has been confirmed to be causing problems and wants a better contract with more money. Because (Gabriel) Bortoleto and (Franco) Colapinto can no longer be signed, even Mick Schumacher is being discussed.
"Good night, Hinwil!" he lamented.
The possibility of Bottas staying at Audi-Sauber has sparked plenty of discussion.
Williams boss James Vowles had mentioned his interest in loaning young talent Franco Colapinto to Audi for 2025 and 2026, but Colapinto himself joked about his future during an appearance on El Hormiguero: "I don't have a team (for 2025) because Carlos Sainz is taking my seat. Hey, if he takes my place at Williams, I'll take his place at El Hormiguero," he laughed.
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso's management company, A14, represents 19-year-old F2 frontrunner Gabriel Bortoleto, and Alonso himself weighed in on Bortoleto's potential. "This boy has what it takes to be a grand prix winner," Alonso told Blick. "He belongs in Formula 1, and 2025 would be an ideal year to learn everything at a team. In front of and behind the scenes."
Despite the promising young talent available, Montoya believes Audi-Sauber should simply keep Bottas for at least another year. "Franco has done a great job, I don't want to take anything away from him. But he's not the only one who deserves that place at Sauber," Montoya told AS Colombia.
"Gabriel Bortoleto also deserves it. But the truth is that the most logical option would be to continue with Bottas for at least one year."
