New Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas has ‘already had early talks’ with one F1 team over 2026 seat

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Valtteri Bottas has returned to Mercedes as their reserve driver for 2025. Bottas was available after parting with Sauber at the end of the season.

Mercedes signed Bottas from Williams in 2017, and both parties retained fond memories of his years alongside Lewis Hamilton. He amassed 10 Grand Prix wins, 20 poles and well over 50 podiums in their colours.

Bottas realised he couldn’t beat Hamilton at the end of 2021, when George Russell replaced him at Brackley. He was a selfless number two when required, dutifully obeying team orders.

The 35-year-old was the only driver to complete the full 2024 season and fail to score a single point. While that largely reflected the limitations of his Sauber car, it also hurt his stock.

Still, Mercedes appreciate Bottas’ qualities and saw him as an ideal back-up to Russell and Kimi Antonelli. The exact scope of his role is unclear.

Predecessor Mick Schumacher took part in occasional test sessions for the Silver Arrows, and also carried out setup work on the simulator. Given his greater experience, Bottas may take on more responsibilities.

Valtteri Bottas already in discussions with Cadillac over 2026 F1 return

Bottas’ ultimate goal seems to be a Formula 1 comeback in 2026. He’ll turn 36 next year but his move to Mercedes indicates that he’s not ready to walk away from the sport just yet.

Cadillac reshaped next year’s driver market landscape when they agreed a deal to join the ’26 grid. There are two more seats available for the likes of Bottas, former teammate Zhou Guanyu and potentially Kevin Magnussen.

According to F1TV’s Lawrence Barretto, Bottas has ‘already had early talks’ with the General Motors brand about a potential move. He feels he has ‘unfinished business’ and wanted to remain in the market ‘conversation’.

Cadillac advisor Mario Andretti is keen on Colton Herta, so his team could look for a proven veteran figure to pair with the American rookie. Sergio Perez may also interest GM after splitting with Red Bull.

One driver who won’t be joining is Daniel Ricciardo. Having been axed by RB with a quarter of the season to go, Ricciardo considers himself retired.

Why Kimi Antonelli should be concerned by Valtteri Bottas’ Mercedes return

Sauber have replaced Bottas and Zhou with Nico Hulkenberg and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto. Perhaps they felt they need a reset after a miserable year.

While similar to his Finnish predecessor in age and experience, Hulkenberg was immediately quicker than Bottas in his first test. It’s unclear how much potential suitors would read into this information.

There’s a theory that Mercedes have signed Bottas a backup in case Antonelli struggles. The Italian will become the third-youngest driver in F1 history at the start of 2025.

Antonelli has crashed in private testing, in addition to his public accident at Monza. That suggests he’s still very raw, if it proves to be too early for him next year, Toto Wolff can turn to a known quantity.