Valtteri Bottas on track with McLaren in Barcelona

Back home Mercedes as a reservist, Valtteri Bottas has some obligations to fulfill in this role. And not just for the company with the star. The Finnish driver was on track in Barcelona this Thursday, March 27, on behalf of McLaren.

Nice to be back with Mercedes power today 👀 pic.twitter.com/ph9m2cAS6S

- Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) March 27, 2025

As McLaren told us, Bottas drove the 60 MCL2023 as part of a TPC (Testing of Previous Car) in order to familiarize himself with the Woking team in case they need the former Sauber driver during the season. McLaren does have a reserve driver in Pato O'Ward, but the Mexican's commitment in IndyCar will prevent him from being present on certain weekends of Formula 1 this season.

This test in Spain is made possible thanks to the privileged relationship between the two teams, McLaren being a Mercedes customer team for the power unit. This is not the first time that a Mercedes reserve driver has tested with McLaren. This was the case in 2024 with Mick Schumacher, Valtteri Bottas' predecessor. The German had driven at Silverstone for Pirelli development tests.

Still within the framework of good relations with its client teams, Mercedes could also loan Valtteri Bottas to Williams occasionally during the year. In the case ofAston Martin, the British manufacturer already has two reserves with Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne.

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