Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has signed a new contract with the future Cadillac team, it was announced on Wednesday. The Finn drove for Sauber last year, but his contract was not extended for the current Formula 1 season. During his last race with the Swiss team, Bottas received a grid penalty for an incident with Kevin Magnussen. However, he will not have to serve this penalty upon his return.
In the final race in Abu Dhabi – also Bottas’ last appearance for Sauber – the Finn collided with Haas driver Kevin Magnussen in turn six. The stewards imposed three penalty points and a five-place grid penalty for the next race. “Bottas seriously misjudged his braking manoeuvre and collided with Magnussen,” the official report stated. “Magnussen was on the normal racing line.” Although Bottas retired after the incident, the stewards deemed a grid penalty justified.
Since Bottas did not have a seat this year, he has never served that penalty. Does this mean that he will be moved back five starting positions at his debut for Cadillac in 2026? No. The FIA recently amended the regulations – grid penalties automatically expire after twelve months. This is good news for Bottas, who will want to make an immediate impression with his new employer after a year on the bench.
