Valtteri Bottas delivered a standout performance in Abu Dhabi qualifying, placing ninth on the grid and setting himself up for a potential points finish in what could be his final Formula 1 race. After a tough season with Sauber, Bottas is determined to end his 2024 campaign—and possibly his F1 career—on a high note.
A Strong Statement in Qualifying
In a season dominated by struggles, Bottas’s impressive ninth-place qualifying lap at Yas Marina was a reminder of the talent that once made him a championship contender. Outqualifying Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was a symbolic moment for the Finn, who has been let go by Sauber in favor of F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto and current Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg for 2025.
“All my laps were some of the best laps I’ve delivered, and it just kept getting better,” Bottas said, reflecting on his final qualifying session with Sauber. “Now the only goal is to finish in the points.”
Fighting for Points—and a Future in F1
Bottas’s ninth-place starting position gives him a solid chance to score his first points of the season. With heavy hitters like Lewis Hamilton (16th) and Charles Leclerc (19th) starting out of position, the stars could align for Bottas to make his mark one last time.
“I haven’t had many good races this year, especially visible results—none, really,” Bottas admitted. “So it would be nice to end the season with something positive. If the saying is true that you’re only as good as your last race, hopefully, it’s a good one.”
Looking Ahead: ‘What’s Next?’
While Bottas is stepping back from a full-time seat, his new role as Mercedes’s reserve driver in 2025 keeps him within reach of the grid. Echoing Nico Hulkenberg’s journey, Bottas hinted at ambitions for a return to racing, potentially as early as 2026.
With Red Bull facing uncertainty over its second driver lineup and Alpine’s confidence in Jack Doohan reportedly wavering, Bottas’s experience and adaptability could make him a hot commodity for teams seeking stability.
Underscoring this sentiment is the bold question emblazoned on his one-off Abu Dhabi helmet design: “What’s next?”
Savoring the Moment
Bottas joins Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz in bidding farewell to their respective teams after Sunday’s race. The Finn reflected on the emotional significance of the weekend, emphasizing the importance of enjoying every moment of his farewell.
“I need to make sure I really, really enjoy it,” Bottas said. “When you’re in the moment, you’re focused, but before and after, I need to take it all in. That’s the main thing—and give it all I have.”
Sauber’s Late-Season Surge
Sauber’s recent development efforts, which allowed Zhou Guanyu to score in Qatar, have given Bottas renewed optimism for Abu Dhabi. “It’s nice to finally have a car that can do something,” Bottas joked. “But like we said earlier, it’s a little bit late in the year!”
His replacement, Hulkenberg, quipped that Sauber’s improvements are “handy timing” for his own arrival in 2025. Still, Bottas is eager to capitalize on the car’s newfound competitiveness to secure points for the team—and himself.
A Farewell and a Fight
As the curtain closes on his Sauber tenure, Bottas’s performance in Abu Dhabi could be a defining moment in his Formula 1 journey. Whether it’s a final farewell or a prelude to a future comeback, the Finn is determined to leave his mark.
“If this is my last race, I want it to be one I can be proud of,” Bottas said. “Let’s finish with something to smile about.”
Fans will be watching closely as Bottas takes to the Yas Marina Circuit, poised for one last push to cement his legacy—or perhaps launch the next chapter of his F1 career.