New Mercedes reserve Bottas provides update on chances of returning to an F1 race seat

Valtteri Bottas has taken a moment to assess his future prospects in Formula 1 after accepting a reserve role with Mercedes for the 2025 season.

Bottas, who raced for the Silver Arrows between 2017 and 2021, is back at Toto Wolff’s operation following his departure from former team Kick Sauber.

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In his new role, the 35-year-old Finn will carry out simulator work, attend Grands Prix and provide support to full-time drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Speaking ahead of the campaign, Bottas pledged his immediate commitment to Mercedes – with whom he won 10 races – and their quest to become title challengers again, but also did not hide an eagerness to get back on the grid whenever possible.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 06: Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Kick — Bottas parted ways with Kick Sauber at the end of the 2024 season

“I think we both know, me and the team, that there needs to be some kind of… we’ve got to be dynamic,” he told Sky Sports, in terms of there being the freedom to move elsewhere if any opportunities arise in 2025.

Several F1 teams have used substitute drivers in recent seasons, with the reasons behind those changes spanning below par performance, illness and driver bans.

Bottas continued: “Of course, at the moment, I’m fully committed to the year, giving everything I have for the team and trying to help the best I can, but if there’s an opportunity to race, I doubt the team would stay in between that.

“Let’s see. Let’s take it first race by race, let’s get the season started, then we’ll see what the year brings, and also what 2026 brings.”

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On that note, Bottas was asked if there has been any movement or talks involving General Motors, who recently reached an agreement in principle with F1 to enter the sport as an 11th team from 2026.

“No, I think they’ve been still very busy on actually setting up the team, setting the board [structure] and all these kinds of things,” he commented. “Nothing yet, it’s a bit too early for that, but let’s see.”

In the shorter term, Bottas will return to the cockpit of Mercedes machinery in early March as part of the Adelaide Motorsport Festival – a week before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.