Audi is reportedly planning to introduce a much younger driver into its Formula 1 team for 2026.
This news comes from seasoned Blick journalist Roger Benoit, who also confidently reported that 34-year-old Valtteri Bottas is set to continue on a one-year contract for 2025.
The Finnish driver dismissed the claim as "fake news," but couldn't help smiling when asked if he was relieved by the prospect of remaining in F1 for another season.
"Hopefully we will get some news soon," Bottas told Viaplay.
"Christmas is about to start knocking on the door. Let's try to get things together," he added.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, like Benoit, remarked that retaining Bottas may be a conservative and perhaps unexciting move for Audi's Sauber team.
"I cannot understand it," Schumacher commented. "I really hope that doesn't happen.
"It has become quite clear that they should be looking at some of these young drivers."
Benoit speculates that Audi's strategy is to pair Bottas with the already-contracted Nico Hulkenberg next season, while gradually integrating a young talent like McLaren-affiliated rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
Meanwhile, Williams team principal James Vowles acknowledged on Sunday that Audi's "interest" in Franco Colapinto is "rather low."
Benoit believes that once Audi-Sauber confirms Bottas' contract extension, they will also announce Bortoleto as the third driver for the team.
