AUSTIN: Long-serving Valtteri Bottas said Thursday that he believes he deserves to keep his seat with Sauber next season as he waits for a decision by newly-installed boss Mattia Binotto.
The former Williams and Mercedes driver, who claimed 10 victories with the "Silver Arrows" as team-mate to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton admitted to a sense of frustration.
But, he said, he was remaining positive of staying with the team that will become the Audi entry in 2026.
"It's not in my hands," said 35-year-old Bottas on the sidelines of the United States Grand Prix.
"So, I'm trying to perform the best I can this weekend and hope that will boost things up.... I'm just waiting for a green light. I will stay positive because I really feel and believe that I should be in the seat and it would be best for the team."
Sauber have signed Nico Hulkenberg from Haas, but have made no decision on whether to partner him with another experienced driver or a youngster like Mick Schumacher.
Bottas and Sauber teammate Zhou Guanyu have both failed to register a point in the driver's championship this season.
Dumped Williams driver Logan Sargeant is the only other driver yet to get off the mark. - AFP