Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff revealed that Valtteri Bottas was on the brink of making his Formula 1 comeback this weekend in Azerbaijan. It was publicly known on Thursday that George Russell was not in good health, but by Friday, his condition had deteriorated to such an extent that Bottas was almost in the driver’s seat. “It was touch and go with Russell,” Wolff said.
Despite Wolff’s confidence in his Finnish reserve driver, he was understandably relieved that Russell was ultimately able to race. On Sunday, the Englishman even finished second in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, behind the unbeatable Max Verstappen.
“George was really struggling on Friday,” Wolff told Sky Sports. “He said: I don’t know if I can make it. But fortunately, he recovered, even though he still felt bad every day. To keep driving and perform like that is very impressive. A tremendous achievement.”
For Bottas, at least, it means that his comeback will have to wait a little longer. Regardless, he will be back next season, as Cadillac recently announced him as one of their drivers for 2026. Like his teammate Sergio Pérez, the Finn will definitely be making his return then.
