Valtteri Bottas returns officially as a Mercedes reserve driver for the 2025 F1 season after missing out on a full-time race seat.
The announcement follows the Finnish racing driver’s departure from Sauber, where he had been competing since 2022 under the Alfa Romeo banner.
Valtteri Bottas return to Mercedes marks a significant development in his career, as he aims to remain relevant in the highly competitive world of Formula 1 while eyeing a potential race seat in 2026.
Bottas’s first stint with Mercedes spanned from 2017 to 2021, during which he established himself as a formidable competitor alongside Lewis Hamilton.
Over the five-year tenure, Bottas secured ten Grand Prix victories and 20 pole positions, contributing significantly to Mercedes’s dominance in the sport. His partnership with Hamilton helped the team clinch five consecutive Constructors’ Championships, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in Formula 1.
However, after the 2021 season, Bottas transitioned to Alfa Romeo Racing, then known as Sauber, as part of a team reshuffle that saw George Russell promoted to a race seat at Mercedes.
During his time with Sauber, Bottas faced a mix of challenges and successes. His first season in 2022 yielded a respectable tenth place in the championship standings, but subsequent years proved more difficult.
By the end of the 2024 season, the 35-year old found himself without a seat as Sauber opted for a different driver lineup featuring Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
This decision prompted Valtteri Bottas return to Mercedes, where he could leverage his experience and maintain his presence in Formula 1.
Bottas expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Mercedes, stating that he felt like he was “coming home.” He emphasized his desire to contribute meaningfully to the team’s efforts in pursuing world championships while also preparing for a potential return to racing in 2026.
“I’m happy to finally answer the question I’ve posed over the past month,” the Finn said. “Returning home to the Mercedes family as Third Driver for 2025, is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased.
“I want to thank Toto, the team at Brackley, and everyone at the three-pointed star for welcoming me back with open arms. Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I’ve still got so much more to contribute to F1.
“Since I was a five-year-old kid growing up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on achieving success in the top tier of motorsport. I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed many incredible moments in my 12 years of racing in F1 so far.
“As I return to the place where so many of those moments were achieved, I’m looking forward to using all the knowledge I’ve gained to help the team to perform and progress towards our goal of fighting for world championships.”
In his new role as Mercedes reserve driver, Bottas will support current race drivers George Russell and newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The latter has stepped into the spotlight following Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, making Antonelli one of the youngest drivers on the grid.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff welcomed Valtteri Bottas return to the team with open arms, highlighting his invaluable contributions during his previous stint with the team.
Toto said: “Valtteri’s impact and contribution in the five years he was 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. His technical feedback and input were important in helping us to those success and pushing the team forward.
“Not only that, but he was also a fantastic colleague and team member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a firm favourite with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.
“In his role as Mercedes Reserve Driver, all those qualities will be incredibly important in helping us compete for world championships and supporting both George and Kimi on track. Welcome home, Valtteri! It’s great to have you back.”
As a Mercedes reserve driver, Bottas’s role will not only involve providing support during race weekends but also contributing to car development and strategy discussions.
The dynamics within Mercedes have shifted significantly since Bottas’s departure. With Hamilton’s exit marking the end of an era for the team, Bottas’s experience could be instrumental in helping Antonelli acclimate to the pressures of Formula 1 racing.
