Valtteri Bottas is embarking on his first season as a reserve driver for Mercedes. The Finn is hopeful for a full return to F1, but reveals that he does not want to make a comeback in the premier class at all costs. According to the Mercedes reserve driver, a ‘clear plan’ would be necessary. “Otherwise, I would have to look elsewhere,” says Valtteri Bottas.
Valtteri Bottas learned last November that he will no longer have a seat at the Swiss Sauber in 2025. The team, which will be taken over by Audi in 2026, decided to continue with Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Bottas signed a contract for 2025 with former employer Mercedes to stand on the sidelines as a reserve driver. However, the Finn does not intend to end his Formula 1 career in this way, although he will not try to get back on the grid at all costs.
“A random one-year deal at this stage of my career doesn’t do much for me,” Bottas tells Motorsport Week. “There should be a clear plan. And if there wouldn’t be one, let’s say for 2026, then I would definitely have to look elsewhere. Or I can still make a good career in another racing class.”
Bottas admits that he would accept it if the door closes on a Formula 1 career, especially if he remains on the sidelines for more than a season. “If you’re not on the grid for more than a year, I think it’s going to hurt,” the driver continues. “And it becomes increasingly difficult to come back if you’ve been away for more than a year. So yes, that’s how I feel about it at the moment. But it could be different tomorrow.”
Hülkenberg
Should Bottas manage to make a comeback, he would not be the first driver to do so. His successor at Sauber, Nico Hülkenberg, was also absent from the premier class for three years prior to his comeback in 2023. “There are many examples that a comeback is possible,” Bottas acknowledges. “This will be my twelfth season in Formula 1. You simply bring that routine and the feel for driving so you can come back.”
