F1
What if Valtteri Bottas returned to Mercedes in 2025?
© Eric Alonso / DPPI
Could we experience yet another surprise transfer this season? If there are only two seats left to fill for 2025, things could still move a lot in the paddock, especially at Sauber-Audi. The name of the second driver who will accompany Nico Hulkenberg next year is still unknown, and Valtteri Bottas still doesn't know what his future holds. Announced as the favourite to succeed himself within the Swiss team, the Finn has however no assurance of continuing the adventure in 2025, and his place is coveted by promising young drivers like Gabriel Bortoleto or Franco Colapinto.
The man with ten victories in F1 is still waiting for the decision of his superiors – in particular that of Mattia Binotto, head of the Audi F1 project – and is starting to explore other avenues if the decision should be negative. To the point of considering… a return to Mercedes, as a reservist! “First of all, the priority is to remain a racing driver, that’s what I want and that’s what we’re looking to achieve, said the Finn on the sidelines of the Mexican Grand Prix. But of course, as I haven't signed anything, it's October and I have to consider all the alternatives, including a return to the Mercedes family. That's of course an option and I would consider it, but there are other options too."
Mercedes, a refuge while waiting for better for Bottas?
Valtteri Bottas knows the German team well, having driven there between 2017 and 2021, alongside Lewis Hamilton. With Mercedes, the Finn won five consecutive Constructors' titles and ten victories. He was replaced by George Russell in 2022, while remaining on good terms with the team. Toto wolff.
At 35, the man with 241 Grand Prix under his belt would be ready to return to Brackley as a reserve… in order to wait for better? In 2026, Mercedes will notably power Alpine et Williams, and a place could open up in one of the two teams depending on the results of the two teams. Before thinking about 2026, Valtteri Bottas keeps the objective of remaining on the grid in 2025 with Sauber. Earlier in the weekend, Mattia Binotto assured that the decision regarding the second pilot will be given “before mid-November”. The Finn will therefore quickly know whether or not he should call Toto Wolff for next year...
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
26/10/2024 at 02:03 a.m.
Mercos reserve, what's the point at 35? The Honey Badger preferred to retire from F1 rather than be a thirty-something reserve and that's to his credit. The paddock's mullet cutter would be better off devoting himself to mountain biking...