Valtteri Bottas eyes long-term Formula 1 project

Valtteri Bottas no longer takes departures in Formula 1 In 2025, however, the Finn has not left the paddock since he is a reserve driver at Mercedes, a team with which he achieved ten race victories. After his time at Sauber from 2022 to 2024 – which turned out to be “ a career mistake " according to the driver, as the adventure was so fruitless - the separation between the native of Nastola and the premier category of motorsport did not seem definitive, and the desire to find a regular seat remained strong for the 35-year-old driver.

In an interview with Top Gear At the sixth round of the season in Miami, the former Mercedes driver reiterated this wish and admitted that talks were underway with some teams with a view to a return in 2026. My goal is to return to competition, confided Valtteri Bottas. Of course, I'm focused on my work, but at the same time... I have to stay alert to opportunities. »

With 10 wins, 67 podiums and 20 pole positions in his career, the Finn's record in Formula 1 is far from negligible, and even superior to that of a large number of drivers currently active. However, Valtteri Bottas is not entirely satisfied: " I still feel like I have a few more years ahead of me and can give even more to this sport. That's my feeling. But again, it's a sport where it's difficult to predict how things will evolve and whether we'll get another chance. »

Cadillac to welcome Valtteri Bottas next year?

The Formula 1 driver market is constantly in flux. Since the start of the season, musical chairs have been rocking the world: after just two rounds, Liam Lawson was demoted to Racing Bulls, while Yuki tsunoda stole his place at the parent team. More recently, Jack Doohan was ousted by Alpine for the benefit of the Argentinian Franco Colapinto, who will make his return to the grid for the Imola Grand Prix on May 18.

So, can Valtteri Bottas take advantage of this turbulence? The first possibility mentioned would obviously be Cadillac, the future eleventh team from next year. Cadillac is a new team joining the sport, which is exciting, admitted the Finn. What would motivate me is to embark on a project. To commit to a certain number of years with clear objectives. That's what I need right now. »

To make his wish come true, the American team seems an ideal target, and his statements sound like barely veiled appeals from the former teammate of Lewis Hamilton. Due to his arrival on the grid next year, Cadillac is looking for a driver to hire for a long-term project and Bottas says he is ready for such a challenge. I don't see the point of doing just one season just to be in Formula 1. But I need a clear project. And I think this is a good example with a new team, it would be very refreshing, to really be able to start from scratch. But at the same time, if a place opens up in a car where you can fight for good points, or even podiums or victories, then of course, I would be delighted. But it's quite difficult to see how things are going at the moment. »

According to whispers from the paddock, Segio Perez seems close to the next American stable and, recently, Guanyu-Zhou was rumored to be in with a Cadillac seat in 2026. Will Valtteri Bottas manage to win over the team in the face of this competition?

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