Valtteri Bottas Returns to Mercedes as Reserve Driver for 2025 Season
A Rollercoaster Ride at Sauber
Valtteri Bottas had a rollercoaster ride at Sauber, finishing 10th in his first season but not winning a point this year. The 35-year-old Finn left Sauber at the end of the season and will return to Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2025 season.
A Familiar Homecoming
Bottas spent five seasons from 2017 to 2021 at Mercedes driving alongside Lewis Hamilton before moving to Alfa Romeo, which later became Sauber. He will now return to the Mercedes family as their third driver for the 2025 season. Bottas expressed his excitement about the move, saying, “I’m happy to finally answer the question I’ve posed over the past month. Returning home to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased.”
A New Era at Mercedes
Mercedes will have George Russell and Italian 18-year-old debutant Kimi Antonelli as their driver line-up next year, with Hamilton moving to Ferrari. Bottas secured 10 Grand Prix wins with Mercedes and finished on the podium 58 times with the Brackley-based team. Team boss Toto Wolff praised Bottas’ impact and contribution, saying, “Valtteri’s impact and contribution in the five years he was with us previously as our race driver was immense. Along with scoring multiple Grands Prix wins, he played a vital role in five of our championship victories.”
End of an Era at Sauber
Sauber announced last month that Bottas and Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu would leave the team at the end of the season. The team will become an Audi factory outfit in 2026 and has opted to sign Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as their replacements.
Conclusion
Valtteri Bottas’ return to Mercedes marks the end of an era for the Finn, who had a rollercoaster ride at Sauber. The 35-year-old will now serve as a reserve driver for the 2025 season, bringing his experience and expertise back to the Mercedes team. As the team looks to the future, Bottas’ return is a welcome addition to the squad.
FAQs
Q: Why is Valtteri Bottas returning to Mercedes?
A: Bottas is returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2025 season after leaving Sauber at the end of the season.
Q: What is Bottas’ role at Mercedes?
A: Bottas will serve as a reserve driver for the 2025 season, providing support to the team’s main drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Q: What is the reason for Bottas’ departure from Sauber?
A: Sauber announced last month that Bottas and Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu would leave the team at the end of the season.