Steiner calls Bottas out: 'They have sh*t loads of money, for sure they can afford you!'

After temporarily saying goodbye to Formula 1 last year, as Sauber chose not to renew his contract for 2025, Valtteri Bottas is eager to get back behind the wheel as a full-time race driver.

At 35, the Finnish driver still has a strong desire to race and is doing everything he can to return to the grid despite the fierce competition.

In recent days, Mercedes’ current reserve driver may have dropped a key hint about his future by sharing a video of himself spotting a Cadillac SUV and joking: “That’s a nice seat. I wouldn’t mind…”

A clear sign that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with the American giant keen to secure at least one of the two seats before the summer break.

Guest on the Red Flag podcast alongside Gunther Steiner, Bottas further discussed his situation, although he couldn’t officially reveal too much.

''Are you gonna drive for Cadillac next year?'' Former Haas team principal asked him.

''Honest answer is I don't know'', Bottas replied. ''We're speaking, of course we're speaking. I think they're speaking to many drivers. For me it would be very interesting, you know. Time will tell''.

To which Steiner added: ''I'm asked a lot of times what would you do if you would be running Cadillac. I said I would put two experienced drivers in it. to have somebody experienced which can tell you if you are wrong or if you're not there''.

Finally, Steiner wrapped things up with a joke to lighten the mood: ''I always suggest to what I would take is Checo and you, but then I always have to say I could never afford Checo and you because you guys awere always too expensive for me. But Cadillac has sh*t loads of money so for sure they can afford you''.