Valtteri Bottas Poised to Return to Mercedes as Reserve Driver

A New Chapter in F1 Career

DOHA: Valtteri Bottas, the 35-year-old Finnish driver, has confirmed that he is likely to return to Mercedes as a reserve driver next season, following the decision of Mick Schumacher to leave the team at the end of the year.

The Road to Return

Bottas, who is not being retained by Sauber ahead of their takeover by Audi, has been weighing his options for the future. Although he declined to say that returning to Mercedes is his best option, he did acknowledge that it is a “really solid” one. He expressed his appreciation for Toto Wolff’s comments, saying that there is still “a bit of work to do” to finalize some things.

A New Role at Mercedes

As a reserve driver, Bottas will play a supporting role to the main drivers, providing testing and development support to the team. This move comes after Mercedes announced that they will be changing their lineup next year, with George Russell remaining and Andrea Kimi Antonelli replacing Lewis Hamilton.

A Shift in the Drivers’ Market

The expected arrival of Cadillac in F1 is likely to lead to more movement in the drivers’ market next year. The General Motors’ brand is expected to consider experienced drivers for their inaugural season, which could increase the opportunities for Bottas.

Looking to the Future

Bottas emphasized that his priority remains in F1, and he is keen to continue competing at the highest level. He believes that being around and doing some testing will give him a chance for a seat in 2026, and the arrival of a new team could lead to more opportunities.

Conclusion

Valtteri Bottas’ return to Mercedes as a reserve driver marks a new chapter in his F1 career. As he looks to the future, he remains focused on competing at the highest level and is optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

FAQs

Q: Why is Valtteri Bottas leaving Sauber?
A: Bottas is not being retained by Sauber ahead of their takeover by Audi.

Q: Who will replace Bottas at Sauber-Audi?
A: Gabriel Bortoleto, the Formula Two championship leader, will replace Bottas at Sauber-Audi.

Q: Why is Bottas returning to Mercedes?
A: Bottas is returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver, providing testing and development support to the team.

Q: What are the implications of Cadillac’s arrival in F1?
A: The expected arrival of Cadillac in F1 is likely to lead to more movement in the drivers’ market, with the General Motors’ brand expected to consider experienced drivers for their inaugural season.