Valtteri Bottas will return to Mercedes for the 2025 F1 season, serving as a reserve driver for the team.
The Finn parted with Kick Sauber after failing to score points for the team during the 2024 F1 season, therefore losing the opportunity for a full-time drive in 2025.
Bottas’ History With Mercedes
Bottas drove for the Silver Arrows for five seasons, from 2017 to 2021, alongside Lewis Hamilton.
During this time, Bottas secured all 10 of his career wins, as well as all 20 of his pole position in F1.
Following this, the driver then joined Sauber, formerly known as Alfa Romeo, for the 2022 season after Mercedes took the decision to promote George Russell in his place.
Bottas’ Mixed Fortunes
During his time at Sauber, Bottas certainly faced mixed fortunes.
In 2022, the Finn managed to secure points for the team after finishing a strong 10th, whereas this season, he failed to score at all.
The Swiss team decided not to re-sign Bottas for the 2025, with his teammate Zhou Guanyu facing the same outcome, being replaced by Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
Therefore, Bottas began talks with Mercedes and Team Principal Toto Wolff about a reserve role, with his aim to stay in the conversation as he seeks a racing return in 2026.
His reserve role will involve him supporting Mercedes’ full-time drivers Russell and debutant Kimi Antonelli, attending most, if not all, scheduled Grand Prixs.
Further Thoughts
“Returning home to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Bottas
“I want to thank Toto, the team at Brackley, and everyone at the three-pointed star for welcoming me back with open arms.
“Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I’ve still got so much more to contribute to F1. Since I was a five-year-old kid growing up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on achieving success in the top tier of motorsport.
“I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed many incredible moments in my 12 years of racing in F1 so far. As I return to the place where so many of those moments were achieved, I’m looking forward to using all the knowledge I’ve gained to help the team to perform and progress towards our goal of fighting for world championships.”
Wolff added: “Welcome home, Valtteri! It’s great to have you back. His impact and contribution in the five years he was with us previously as our race driver was immense.
“Along with scoring multiple Grands Prix wins, he played a vital role in five of our championship victories. His technical feedback and input were important in helping us to those successes and pushing the team forward.
“Not only that, but he was also a fantastic colleague and team member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a firm favourite with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.
“In his role as Reserve Driver, all those qualities will be incredibly important in helping us compete for world championships and supporting both George and Kimi on track.”
Featured Image Credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team
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