Valtteri Bottas has revealed ‘What’s Next?’ for his Formula 1 career: a return back to the team with whom he achieved 10 wins, 58 podiums, 20 pole positions, and a key role in five constructors’ championships, Mercedes.
Bottas was dropped from the silver arrows ahead of the 2022 season when team boss Toto Wolff promoted Mercedes junior driver George Russell from Williams to partner Lewis Hamilton. Following the news of his departure from Mercedes, Bottas announced a move to Sauber, but after a disappointing three-year stint with the team Bottas was once again kicked to the kerb.
Bottas branded his three-year stint at Sauber a “mistake”, attributing the team’s downfall to the departure of team principal Fred Vasseur for Ferrari, “There was a clear plan for targets for the three years and also how to get there… but those plans and targets went into the bin when he left”, he said.
When Sauber opted not to re-sign Bottas for the 2025 season, instead opting for an all-new line up of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Valtteri began talks with Mercedes to rejoin the team in a reserve driver capacity while he searches for a full-time seat for the 2026 season.
Today this move was announced, as he is set to return to the German automotive giant as a reserve driver for the 2025 season alongside George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in the full race seats. Bottas credited his close relationship to Toto Wolff which he maintained during his time away from the team as a catalyst for his return, he said:
“Returning home to the Mercedes family as a 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.”
Team boss Toto Wolff seemed equally excited about Valtteri’s return, “Welcome home, Valtteri!”, he said, “It’s great to have you back. His 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.”
Wolff continued, “His technical feedback and input were important in helping us to those successes 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 Reserve Driver, all those qualities will be incredibly important in helping us compete for world championships and supporting both George and Kimi on track.”
Valtteri’s role as a reserve driver will see him attend the majority, if not all of races on the 2025 calendar, supporting full-time drivers Russell and Antonelli – and perhaps we could also see Valtteri test some old Mercedes machinery as part of his new role.
