Valtteri Bottas said he's surprised by the speculation he could lose his Cadillac seat in 2027 because it goes against the feedback he has been getting from the team.
Bottas signed on a multi-year deal for F1's newest team at the start of 2026 but his role beyond this year remains unclear.
Cadillac has pushed on with accumulating superlicence points for American driver Colton Herta, who is set to reach the magic 40 mark needed to be eligible for Formula 1 by taking part in first practice ahead of this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Despite a growing number of reports that he might be due an early exit, Bottas remained bullish on his future on Thursday.
"I've been quite surprised about the amount of noise on that, because I know what my situation is," he said during media day for Brazil's race.
"And all I've heard, the team has been happy for what I'm doing. But at the same time, we know how this sport works. And especially now, everyone wants to be in Formula 1. And if somebody sees an opportunity somewhere, they're going to try and go for it, one way or the other."
When their F1 team bid was confirmed, General Motors initially signalled an intention to arrive with at least one American driver in its two race seats, but eventually opted for the experience of race winners Bottas and Sergio Pérez.
Herta has struggled in Formula 2 this season, but has at least accumulated experience on tracks and tyres used by Formula 1.
With the Herta situation lingering in the background, Bottas' future looks set to be decided in the boardroom.
"The way our team is structured and the way decisions are made for the future, everything needs to be approved by the board," Bottas said. "And I believe that meeting is still yet to happen. But I've been convinced nothing has changed. So that's where we are."
Speaking to Racer ahead of last weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, Cadillac boss Dan Towriss said there's still a good chance Bottas is retained for next season.
"Absolutely [he can keep the seat]," Towriss said. "We absolutely love Valtteri, and he's done everything we've asked of him ... As we're even talking about this, this obviously puts more pressure on the driver.
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"Watching Valtteri respond to it, he's an absolute pro. I mean, he's just, he's getting after it, and so I want to see what he does ... I mean, he's a champ. He's going to fight, fight, fight, and so [we] love everything that he does as well. And so we're not in a hurry to make any decision here. We're just going to focus on racing."
Asked on Thursday how his talks with Towriss have been going, Bottas said: "We've been in touch regularly. Last time I spoke with him was after the race in Mexico. The latest message I've got is that they're not looking to change anything. Still, things need to be confirmed by the board. That's it."
Bottas' teammate Sergio Perez was on the fence about where Haas should go but hinted the team is still in a position where it cannot be taking risks.
"Obviously for me it's a difficult one, because I also know Colton and really like him. Obviously they both really deserve the shot in a way, but I think experience at this stage and this current phase of the project, it's key. I think Valtteri has been doing a good job.
"He's been very unlucky in the last few races. Colton, when he has the opportunity, it's very hard for him to show his pure talent. I think as a team it's very tricky to make the decision, because with only a few runs it's hard to know what sort of potential there is."
When Perez, who last week signed a contract to stay with the team until 2029, was asked if he's been giving his feedback to the team's management, he said: "I think they know what they're doing. They don't need my feedback in that regard.
"All I need is someone that comes in and pushes the team forward massively. It's all I need. Whoever comes here or is here, it's either Valtteri or Colton or anyone else, must come here and deliver."