Valtteri Bottas is on the verge of a possible return to the fold as reports indicate that he is set to take the Mercedes reserve driver role for the 2025 F1 season.
This development comes in light of Bottas’ departure from Sauber where he will conclude his tenure at the end of the 2024 season.
Valtteri Bottas, who previously enjoyed a successful stint with Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, is anticipated to bring his extensive experience back to the Brackley-based team, which is undergoing a transition following Lewis Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari for 2025 F1.
The Finn’s career has been marked by notable achievements during his five years with the Silver Arrows, where he secured ten Grand Prix victories and played a pivotal role in helping the team clinch five consecutive Constructors’ Championships.
His partnership with the seven-time world champion was instrumental in establishing Mercedes as a dominant force in F1 during that period.
However, after moving to Sauber in 2022 Valtteri Bottas faced challenges driving for the struggling team that did not meet his expectations, leading to speculation about his future in the sport.
As the F1 driver market evolves, Bottas finds himself without a full-time seat for the upcoming season. Sauber has opted for a new lineup featuring Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, leaving the 35-year old with limited options.
Amidst this backdrop, Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff has hinted on the possibility of bringing Valtteri Bottas back into the fold.
“Nothing is signed, nothing is done, but if we were to have him back in the family, we all we would be all full of joy,” Wolff told Viaplay at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
“I mean, what you can say is that if you have the opportunity in having a pilot like Valtteri back in the Mercedes family, with his ability, with his most recent experience of these modern cars, you can deem yourself super lucky.”
The role of a Mercedes reserve driver is crucial particularly as they prepare for a season with one of the youngest driver lineups on the grid. George Russell will be joined by rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who steps up from Formula 2.
This dynamic presents both challenges and opportunities for Mercedes as they aim to regain their competitive edge against rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari. Bottas’ familiarity with the team’s culture and his technical insights could prove invaluable during testing and development phases.
READ ALSO: Valtteri Bottas makes a hilarious farewell speech ahead of Sauber exit
Interestingly, there are suggestions that Valtteri Bottas’s role may extend beyond that of a typical Mercedes reserve driver. Swiss-German publication Blick reports that Wolff might consider him for a position as an advisor, leveraging his experience and knowledge to aid in strategic decision-making within the team.
The report quoted Fittipaldi on a recent podcast in Brazil saying: “We hear from close friends that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is even bringing his former winning driver on board as his personal adviser.”
Ahead of the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend, Valtteri Bottas gave an update on his future, stating that he still has “lots” to give in Formula 1 and that he has some “interesting” possibilities lined up for 2025 F1.
“The way my active F1 driving career ended for now, it wasn’t the best way that you can’t really decide yourself,“ Bottas told SKY Sports. “I feel like still I have lots to give for the sport and I still love it.
“I love the racing against the best drivers in the world, in the best cars in the world. That’s what I love, so I’m just trying to figure out now what is the next move.
“I don’t really have that much more [to add]. I’m taking it day by day. There’s some interesting stuff on the table and then we’ll see.”
Bottas ruled out a move to IndyCar or the World Endurance Championship for next season, confirming that his priority is to secure a grand prix seat for 2026 F1.
“For me, at the moment, I feel like jumping into a new category comes quite quick,“ he added. “We’re almost in December, so I think that would be more realistic if I didn’t find a seat for 2025 F1 or for 2026, then probably [it] would be [a consideration] from ‘26.
“It’s all these things that I need to try and plan, but the picture is starting to form in my head what is the ideal situation.”
It is reported that Valtteri Bottas is eyeing Cadillac F1 seat for 2026 after the General Motors subsidiary agreed a deal to join the grid. Therefore, taking the Mercedes reserve driver role will keep him visible.
While Bottas prepares for his potential homecoming at Mercedes, it raises questions about Mick Schumacher’s role within the team.
Schumacher has served as Mercedes reserve driver for the past two seasons and was hoping this role would lead to a full-time seat in F1. However, with Bottas likely taking over those responsibilities, the German faces uncertainty about his future in motorsport.
