Valtteri Bottas Eyes Possible Return To Mercedes Amid Career Transition

Valtteri Bottas has opened the door to a possible return to his former team, Mercedes, but in a capacity different from his competitive days alongside Lewis Hamilton. The 35-year-old athlete, currently with Sauber, has expressed interest in taking up a reserve driver role with the Brackley squad as uncertainty looms over his future with his current team, which is set to be rebranded to Audi in 2026.

During his tenure with Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, Bottas achieved remarkable success by clinching 10 Grand Prix wins and securing 20 pole positions. He served as a steadfast teammate to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, contributing significantly to the team's dominance in Formula 1 during that period. In 2022, Bottas made a pivotal move to the Ferrari-powered Sauber team, where he continues his racing career.

However, with his contract not yet renewed for 2025, Bottas has begun to explore all available options to remain close to the F1 grid. He stated, “Firstly, the priority is to stay as a race driver -- that is what I want, and that is what we are pushing for,” indicating his determination to continue competing at a high level.

This rumored move coincides with significant changes at the Sauber team. With the impending transformation into Audi, Sauber is undergoing an overhaul led by team principal Mattia Binotto, who was formerly with Ferrari. This includes the confirmed addition of veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season, leaving one seat open that Bottas, among other candidates, is competing for.

Bottas acknowledged, “But of course, as I don’t have anything signed, we are in October and I’ve got to look at all the alternatives. That includes going back to the Mercedes family.” His willingness to consider various options highlights the competitive nature of F1 and the importance of being proactive in securing a seat for the upcoming seasons.

Mercedes, known for its robust engine supply network across Formula 1, currently supports teams like Williams, where Bottas began his F1 journey in 2013, and McLaren. Their upcoming partnership with Alpine starting in 2026 adds another string to this bow. The reserve driver role within Mercedes is not trivial; it involves a readiness to step in during emergencies as a talented driver, withstanding the resulting pressure.

The finalization of this decision is crucial as it pertains to the last vacancy on the 2025 grid. Competing for this spot are emerging talents Franco Colapinto from Williams and Gabriel Bortoleto from McLaren's junior program; the competition is fierce.

For Bottas, the current focus remains on elevating his performance with Sauber this year. Although the team has yet to secure points, Bottas looks forward to capitalizing on any opportunities Mexico may present to him. The thin air could shake things up a bit!