Bottas Remains Confident About 2027 Cadillac Seat Amid Herta Rumors

Valtteri Bottas says he is “pretty confident” about remaining in Formula 1, dismissing questions surrounding his future amid rumours that Cadillac could promote Colton Herta.

The American team announced a contract extension for Sergio Perez but has yet to confirm Bottas for 2027, following a 2026 season in which the Finn has been consistently outperformed.

Perez leads Bottas 15-9 in their qualifying head-to-head, and speculation has intensified regarding Cadillac promoting its American reserve driver, Herta, once he obtains a super licence.

“I don’t really have much to say,” Bottas stated. “That’s the situation. There are rumours. I have nothing really to say. We’ll find out eventually.”

This uncertainty persists despite Bottas being on a “multi-year” contract, understood to be a one-plus-one arrangement with an optional second season after joining this year.

The 10-time grand prix winner claims to be confident about staying for 2027, which would mark his 14th season in Formula 1 after making his debut with Williams in 2013.

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing

Photo by: Alex Bierens de Haan / LAT Images via Getty Images

“Well, it would make sense to me,” he added. “That’s what it reads on the paper, so that’s why I’m pretty confident.”

“For me, it was always clear who is here for next year. Obviously, Checo signed an extension. I haven’t made a further extension yet.”

“But I’m sure that in a big company there are always board meetings. They could finalize the decisions soon. I believe those are coming shortly.”

“I think everything just needs to be validated with the senior leadership in the USA.”

Bottas said “not at all” when asked if he still feels he is performing at his highest level, but noted that the situation is not particularly kind given that Cadillac is in its debut season.

The newcomer sits at the bottom of the championship without a point after 18 rounds and hired veterans such as Bottas and Perez to help guide it through the early phases with their race-winning expertise.

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing, Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images

“It’s all part of what I signed up for,” Bottas said. “Development, working for the future. Sometimes nursing the car home just to make it to the flag.”

“I’m just waiting for the moment we get a better car. Then we can actually do something with it instead of just nursing it.”

“All I’ve done is follow the instructions. Sometimes the instructions have been clear. It’s really just about making sure you try to get the best result.”

“That’s what I do. That’s when you need to manage things. When it’s time to push, it’s time to push. Like last weekend. I think I’ve given everything I have. That’s all.”

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