Future Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas was unaware of the connections between the team and Andretti before signing for them, he announced.
Andretti is believed to be looking to acquire Sauber, who heads Alfa Romeo’s F1 team. Details became known at the Turkish Grand Prix two weeks ago. Bottas’ move to the Mercedes team was announced in September but first reported by RaceFans in July.
Bottas said: “I wasn’t aware of this during the negotiations” when asked about Andretti’s potential move to take over the team. “To be honest, I don’t know a lot of details as to whether there really is a big chance for it or not.
“I’m sure the people who make the decision will know what’s best for the team in the long run. I don’t have much to say about who the team belongs to and with what percentage, that’s how it works, that’s the business side of Formula 1.
“But as long as the team still has the right people, key people who I think can do a great job, that’s the main thing for me.”
Bottas said he would welcome the arrival of IndyCar champion and former F1 driver Michael Andretti’s team. “Why not?” he said.
“As a driver for the team in the future, it would of course be nice to find out a little more about the plans for the future beforehand. But why not?”
Bottas will replace Kimi Raikkonen, who will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the year. The future of Antonio Giovinazzi in the team is uncertain and he is also not aware of a possible change of ownership.
“Sure it’s a great name, it’s a great name, but that’s all I know,” he said. “We’ll see what happens, but it’s out of my control.”
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United States Grand Prix 2021
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