Valtteri Bottas has announced that he was unaware of Alfa Romeo’s takeover talks prior to signing for the F1 team.
Michael Andretti is ready to acquire a majority stake in Sauber, which in turn would lead to his being in charge of the Alfa Romeo F1 team.
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Andretti is believed to be negotiating an 80 percent stake in Islero Investments, a Switzerland-based company founded by Longbow Finance and bought by Sauber from then founder and co-owner Peter Sauber in 2016.
Bottas, who will move to Alfa Romeo next season after five years at Mercedes, was not informed of a possible change of ownership during his talks with the team.
“I wasn’t aware of that during the negotiations,” said Bottas. “To be honest, I don’t know a lot of details as to whether there really is a big chance for it or not.
“But I’m sure the people who make the decision will know what is best for the team in the long run.
“I don’t think I have much control over who owns the teams and what percentage. That’s how it works. That’s the business side of Formula One.
“But as long as the team still has the right people, the key people who I think can do a great job, that’s the most important thing for me.”
Bottas, who will replace his compatriot Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo after signing a multi-year deal, is open to Andretti’s takeover.
“Why not?” Added Bottas. “Of course, as a driver, it is nice for the team in the future to know a little more about the plans for the future, but why not?
“Sure it’s a great name, it’s a great name, but that’s all I know. We’ll see what happens, but it’s out of my control. “
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