Bottas insists he is staying at Cadillac for 2027
"I know what my contract says"
Valtteri Bottas has moved once again to shut down speculation about his Cadillac future by insisting he will still be on the Formula 1 grid in 2027.
The Finn has come under growing scrutiny as teammate Sergio Perez continues to outperform him, while rumours persist that Cadillac-backed IndyCar star Colton Herta - being prepared for a future race seat in F2 this year - will replace one of them next year.
Speaking to Finland’s Ilta Sanomat, the 36-year-old was emphatic.
"As long as I know my situation and I’m in constant contact with the team, people can say whatever they want," Bottas said.
"It won’t change my life."
Asked specifically about next season, Bottas left little room for doubt.
"I know what my contract says, and the team supports me 100 percent. I will definitely be here next year as well."
Cadillac’s debut season has been tougher than expected, and the team is now the only one in pitlane without a single point.
Bottas admitted the team’s problems run deeper than simple bad luck.
"There hasn’t really been a race without at least one problem," he said.
"We need to improve the quality and assembly. Assembling the car has sometimes been unnecessarily rushed."
The former Mercedes driver also refused to engage in direct comparisons with Perez, who has generally looked the stronger of the two Cadillac drivers so far.
"At this stage, there is no point in comparing," Bottas said. "Considering the circumstances and all the problems, it is meaningless."
Bottas remains convinced Cadillac’s fortunes will improve significantly as the season progresses.
"I know for sure that in two months our car will be much faster," he said. "I have physically seen everything that is planned."