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Valtteri Bottas in talks over Mercedes return as Toto Wolff gets four-word message
Valtteri Bottas has opened up about his discussions with Mercedes regarding a potential return to the team in 2025, expressing a willingness to consider the opportunity. The Finnish driver, who previously spent five successful years with Mercedes, made these comments amid a challenging period in his career since joining Sauber in 2022. Despite his consistent performances, Bottas finds himself in a difficult position, as Sauber currently sits at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship standings.
Bottas has achieved considerable success in Formula 1, with ten Grand Prix victories under his belt. However, his move to Sauber has not yielded the results he had hoped for. As he seeks a short-term contract extension with the team, his future remains uncertain, especially with reports indicating that Sauber’s management is exploring options for next season, including talks with promising drivers Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto.
In an interview with F1.com, Bottas emphasized his main goal: to remain a race driver in Formula 1. He stated, “Firstly, the priority is to stay as a race driver. That’s what I want and that’s what we’re pushing for with Mattia.” He acknowledges the necessity of considering all available options as the October deadline approaches, which includes a possible return to the Mercedes family. Bottas affirmed, “That’s for sure one option, and I would consider it. But there’s other options as well.”
Despite Bottas’s interest in rejoining Mercedes, any return would likely not be in a full-time driving capacity. Team principal Toto Wolff has already secured George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as the drivers for the 2025 season, which means Bottas’s involvement could be limited to a test and reserve role. This situation raises questions about Mick Schumacher’s future with the team, as he is currently positioned as the backup driver.
With the limited availability of full-time seats on the 2025 grid, Bottas faces the reality that if he is overlooked by Sauber and unable to return to Mercedes, he may need to consider alternative racing series. The prospect of racing in IndyCar looms as a potential path, following in the footsteps of drivers like Marcus Ericsson and Romain Grosjean, who successfully transitioned from Formula 1 to America’s premier open-wheel series.
Bottas’s situation underscores the unpredictability of Formula 1, where even established drivers can find themselves in precarious circumstances. As the sport continues to evolve, with new talent emerging and team dynamics shifting, Bottas’s decision-making process will be critical in determining his next steps. His experience and skill could still offer significant value, whether in Formula 1 or beyond.
Ultimately, Bottas remains focused on his ambition to be a race driver. While his heart
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