Bottas wasn't aware of Andretti interest when he signed Alfa Romeo F1 deal

The Finn will leave Mercedes at the end of the year to join Alfa Romeo for 2022, by which point the team could find itself under new ownership through Andretti Autosport. 

In recent weeks it has emerged that Andretti is pursuing a takeover of Sauber in a deal that would see it run Alfa Romeo’s F1 operation, with talks understood to have advanced ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix. 

Bottas only signed his Alfa Romeo contract in September and said at that stage there was no suggestion that Sauber's ownership could change at that stage. 

“I wasn’t aware during the negotiations about it,” Bottas said. “And, to be honest, I don’t know much details if there’s actually any big chance for that happening or not. 

“But I’m sure the people who make the decisions will know what will be the best for the team in the long-term. 

“And I don’t have much say on who owns the team or with what percentage they get - that’s how it goes, that’s the business side of Formula 1. 

“But as long as the team still has the right people, the key people in there that I believe can do a great job, that’s the main thing for me.” 

Bottas previously cited Alfa Romeo’s plans for the future as a major factor behind his decision to agree a multi-year deal with the Swiss-based outfit. 

Asked if he would welcome the chance to work with Andretti, Bottas replied: “Why not? 

“Obviously, as a driver for the team in the future, it would be nice before that to know a bit more about their plans for the future. But yes, why not?”