Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou have expressed their determination to remain part of the Formula 1 paddock in 2025, even as reserve drivers, following the announcements of their replacement at Audi-owned Sauber by Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
"At least I know now," Bottas said during the Las Vegas GP weekend. "I just need to figure out what's next." The 34-year-old Finn recently tattooed "What's next?" on his thigh and has launched a line of merchandise with the same slogan.
Reports suggest Bottas could return to Mercedes, taking over from Mick Schumacher as the team's primary reserve driver while also serving as an advisor to team principal Toto Wolff.
"You know, life goes on," Bottas commented. "There's lots of exciting things ahead. And yeah, I'm fine with it. It's a tricky sport."
Reflecting on his departure, Bottas admitted he was "unlucky" not to explore alternative race seats for 2025 sooner, as he had held out for a potential extension with Audi.
"The way my active F1 driving career ended for now, it wasn't the best way because I couldn't really decide for myself," he said. "I feel like I still have lots to give to the sport, and I still love it. This is what I love."
He ruled out an immediate move to series like WEC or Indycar, stating that 2025 would likely involve keeping his options open for a potential F1 return in 2026.
When asked about WEC or Indycar for 2025, Bottas said: "I think that would be more realistic if I don't find a seat in F1 during '25 or for '26. But the picture is starting to form in my head."
Meanwhile, Zhou, 25, has been linked with a Ferrari reserve role. Having been part of the team's driver academy in the past, he sees staying in F1 as his priority.
"I will try to stay in Formula 1," Zhou said in Las Vegas. "And now it is important to decide correctly which of the teams is best to cooperate with as a reserve driver. Nothing has been decided yet, although many teams are interested."
Lastly, Williams rookie Franco Colapinto addressed rumors connecting him to Red Bull for 2025 but downplayed the immediacy of any decision.
"My manager is in talks with James (Vowles)," the 21-year-old Argentine said. "I don't really know what my future looks like, but if I don't get a cockpit in 2025, I want to be back in 2026 at the latest."
"No matter what, I want to be racing something in 2025 to stay active," he added. "I think James and my manager are currently looking at all the options available to me."
