Valtteri Bottas on a Red Bull Move? “They Don’t Really Like Me”

Well, that settles it—don’t expect to see Valtteri Bottas in Red Bull colors anytime soon. The Finnish driver, known for his calm demeanor and sharp wit, has shut down any talk of a potential move to the dominant F1 team, and his reasoning is refreshingly blunt: “They don’t really like me.”

Bottas opened up about his complicated relationship with Red Bull during a recent interview, and it’s clear there’s no love lost between the two sides. While fans might daydream about seeing him paired with Max Verstappen in a powerhouse lineup, Bottas was quick to dismiss the idea. The truth? Red Bull has never been his biggest fan, and the feeling seems mutual.

“They’ve had their favorites, and I’m not one of them,” Bottas explained, pointing to Red Bull’s long-standing preference for drivers from its own talent program. Over the years, the team has been fiercely loyal to nurturing young prospects like Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and now Max Verstappen. If you’re not a product of their system, it’s an uphill battle to even be considered.

And let’s not forget the heated rivalries of Bottas’ Mercedes years. As Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, Bottas was at the center of the intense Red Bull vs. Mercedes rivalry, often battling Verstappen and his team for race wins and championship points. Those on-track clashes likely didn’t win him many friends in the Red Bull garage.

In many ways, Bottas has carved out a niche for himself. While he’s no longer in the spotlight of a top team, he enjoys a different kind of freedom at Sauber. The Finnish star is often spotted embracing his laid-back lifestyle—whether it’s cycling, enjoying coffee culture, or relaxing in his sauna. For Bottas, it’s about finding joy in the sport and his life off the track.

As for Red Bull? It’s clear their focus remains on Verstappen and developing young talent through their driver program. Pairing Verstappen with a veteran like Bottas might make strategic sense on paper, but given the history between them, it’s unlikely to ever happen.

So, while the F1 rumor mill loves to spin wild tales, Bottas-to-Red Bull isn’t one of them. Instead, Valtteri is content with where he is, enjoying the sport on his own terms. And honestly? Good for him. Sometimes, it’s not about fitting into someone else’s plans but making your own—and Bottas seems to be doing just that.