Valtteri Bottas might just have dropped a big hint about his F1 future. The Sauber driver has been left stranded in the 2025 driver market with his 2-year contract coming to an end this year. He ranks very low in the prospect list of rival teams, and Sauber, which will become Audi in 2026, has only given him more delay. But all of this might now be culminating in him securing a well-deserved Audi seat.

Initially, Bottas blamed Carlos Sainz for making him endure the “nerve-wracking” wait because the departing Ferrari driver was the number 1 target for all teams. Amongst all, Audi was the most vocal in their pursuit of Sainz, offering him a big money, 3-year deal. But with the Spaniard choosing Williams, which was the lesser of two evils, the German manufacturers were thrown off.

This also threw Bottas back into the mix to race alongside the already-signed Nico Hulkenberg. Moreover, his teammate Zhou Guanyu’s performance has been underwhelming, to say the least. To add to this compelling backstory, the Finnish driver’s latest Instagram post from a “fun day in California” has turned heads. In the photos taken for a promotional shoot for Hyland, a tech company, he showed off an Audi R8 (road car), branded with number ’77’ on it, his F1 number.

This tiny hint was enough for fans to put two and two together. It was only a matter of time before social media exploded with various theories, and more importantly, wholesome backing for him.

Fans rally behind Valtteri Bottas, hailing him as a “no-brainer” choice for Audi

Valtteri Bottas is underrated. With nearly 236 race starts to his name, he is one of the most experienced racers on the current grid. Sadly, after joining Alfa Romeo (now Sauber), his career has derailed. Their pace has been consistently under par, unlike Mercedes, where he contributed to 5 constructors’ championships.

After his seeming hint at the Audi seat made it to X (previously Twitter), it spread like wildfire. One fan precisely highlighted how Bottas’ talent is being wasted at Sauber. It would be unfair of Audi to only consider his recent performances for the contract.

Another fan took a different route in Bottas’ support. They shifted attention to his hilariously goofy off-track side. From embracing his inner Aussie with a full-grown mullet to his slow-mo Baywatch-styled run on the beach in his underwear, his eccentricity is refreshing.

But with someone having such a comedian-like personality, it could be possible that the 34-year-old was just teasing fans with the post. At least, that is what one smart fan pointed out.

Bottas is also known for being one of the best team players on the grid. He has had a big impact in the championships Lewis Hamilton won being his Mercedes teammate. With Nico Hulkenberg, who is in his prime at 36 years of age, Bottas could help Audi hit the ground running.

One user even dived deeper into this Hulkenberg-Bottas comparison. Audi has already signed the German driver on a multi-year deal. But what did he have to show his worthiness of the seat? Nothing. In fact, ‘Hulk’ holds the record for most race starts without a podium – 217, which Haas boss Ayao Komatsu even criticized recently. In stark contrast, Bottas has 10 race wins and 67 podiums.

Fans feel Audi should’ve ideally signed the Mullet King in the first half of 2024. Leaving him in the dark for a few more months will barely do any good. Moreover, the change in the senior management with Mattia Binotto’s arrival has increased the delay. Valtteri Bottas confirmed that the contract talks will “reset” with this new “complicated” situation. What is your take on this uncertain situation? Let us know in the comments below.