The final act of the 2024 season is here. One of Lewis Hamilton’s former teammates did unexpectedly well, reminding the world of the talent that made him a contender in the first place. This is especially impactful, considering the driver’s season has been nothing but disappointing so far. Moreover, we don’t even know if aims to come back for the next season.

Now, the class act that the driver is, he recently picked up a $5000 bill, impressing fans and colleagues alike. But why pick the hefty bill? We tell you all about it.

Valtteri Bottas picks up the tab as rumors swirl over farewell

With the world championship and heavy bragging rights on the line, the upcoming race is a momentous occasion for the F1 drivers. All racers have several different reasons to clinch the win. However, one driver has a special reason for why they aim to emerge victorious. That is because this next race could be his final goodbye to the racetrack for the time being. So Valtteri Bottas aims to leave the team on a high note.

The Sauber driver is not eyeing the following season, but all things considered, the driver has made a remarkable comeback at the Yas Marina circuit. He qualified ninth, and it feels like he might have a chance to achieve his last race dream, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc starting out of position. So, for the dinner, he picked up a massive cheque for the colleagues and told Adam Cooper, motorsports reporter, “I think it was worth it. In Q1, I got some nice tows from some people on the back straight, so I think it was definitely worth it…” It’s believed that the 2025 focused update to the car is to be credited for the performance update. However, for Bottas, it may have come too late.

Valtteri Bottas races for Kick Sauber and has had an impressive career with ten race wins, 20 pole positions, 19 fastest laps, and 67 podium finishes. One interesting fact about him is that he has the most career points—1,797—without ever winning a World Championship. “All my laps were some of the best laps I’ve delivered, and it just kept going, lap by lap,” said Bottas for the qualifying race that has made the headlines. For today, he has one aim: to finish within the top 10.

The qualifying race was particularly significant for Bottas, as he outraced Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. Sauber has decided to let go of Bottas and replaced him with Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto and current Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg.

It’s worth noting here that Bottas is not the only one leaving his team after today’s race. Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, the former from Mercedes and the latter from Ferrari, are also leaving. Both echo Bottas’ sentiment: “I need to make sure that I really, really enjoy every moment of it.”

What’s next for Bottas?

Well, there is a rumor that he might be the next driver for Red Bull, which is not improbable. His being listed as a driver for the team at the F1 store might be the culprit. That has caused people to ask him if there is news surrounding the move But if the racer is to be believed, it’s just a rumor. Red Bull has not officially announced its final driver line-up. The team also seems poised to let go of Sergio Perez because of his struggles in 2024. Liam Lawson is being highlighted as the top choice to take his place, surpassing teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

As per Motorsport Week, Red Bull has struggled to find an adequate second driver alongside Max Verstappen. Bottas has been touted as an available option that could fill that void. However, the racer himself stated that some people within Red Bull don’t like him, mentioning that a proposal he made earlier faced rejection.

For now, he will be a reserve driver for Mercedez in 2025. Meanwhile, here’s hoping he returns full-time in 2026.

What are your thoughts on Bottas’ retirement for the time being?