Breaking: Mercedes announce STUNNING driver comeback in astonishing F1 U-Turn…More
Mercedes announce STUNNING driver comeback in astonishing F1 U-Turn
The Mercedes Formula 1 team has made a surprising announcement, confirming the return of former driver Valtteri Bottas as their reserve driver for the 2025 season.
This decision marks a notable reversal for the team, which had previously parted ways with the Finnish racer at the end of 2021.
The Brackley-based outfit is undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2025 season.
Rising star Kimi Antonelli, 18, will join George Russell in the main driver lineup, replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is departing for Ferrari.
With Mick Schumacher also leaving the team, Mercedes has turned to Bottas to fill the reserve driver role.
Bottas previously spent five seasons with Mercedes, securing 10 race wins and helping the team claim five consecutive constructors’ championships alongside Hamilton.
However, he was replaced by Russell after the 2021 season, following a campaign in which he finished a distant third in the standings.
After leaving Mercedes, Bottas joined Alfa Romeo (later rebranded as Kick Sauber) for the 2022 season, a move he has since described as a “mistake.”
Over three years with the team, Bottas struggled to replicate his earlier success, failing to score any podiums and amassing just 59 points.
His 2024 season ended without a single point, leading Sauber to replace him with Gabriel Bortoleto as they prepare for their transition to Audi in 2026.
Now, Bottas is set to return to Mercedes, where he hopes to contribute to the team’s efforts to reclaim championship glory.
In an official statement, Bottas expressed his excitement, calling it a “homecoming” to the team where he achieved some of his greatest career moments.
He thanked Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and the Brackley staff for welcoming him back, emphasizing his desire to help the team progress and compete for titles.
Bottas, a 12-year F1 veteran, remains focused on making a meaningful impact in his new role and supporting Mercedes’ championship aspirations in the upcoming seasons.
About The Author
