Audi-owned Sauber is just days away from revealing who will join Nico Hulkenberg as his teammate for the 2025 season.
Numerous reports indicate that McLaren has agreed to release promising rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who has reportedly signed a long-term contract with Audi.
Roger Benoit, a respected Swiss journalist, wrote in Blick newspaper on Sunday that Sauber plans to keep details of Bortoleto's contract "secret" for a few more days.
Sauber spokesperson Alessandro Alunni Bravi, however, told Viaplay just before the Brazilian GP on Sunday that an official announcement of Hulkenberg's teammate is expected shortly.
"Well, yes, they say that decisions will apparently be made soon," commented Valtteri Bottas, the current Sauber driver, who now appears likely to be replaced, speaking to the same broadcaster after the Brazilian GP.
"In my opinion, that's a good thing, because it's already been expected," added the 34-year-old Finn. "We've already been waiting for quite a while.
"Whether it's a yes or a no, hopefully we will find out soon. I also need to know what I'm doing."