F1 NEWS: Valtteri Bottas Back on Track with McLaren After…read more
F1 NEWS: Valtteri Bottas Back on Track with McLaren After…read more
Valtteri Bottas has returned to Formula 1 action, taking part in a test for McLaren in Barcelona.
After losing his full-time seat with Stake at the end of the 2024 season, Bottas has remained involved in F1 as a reserve driver for Mercedes. His role also extends to any Mercedes-powered customer teams, which has led to him conducting a familiarization test in McLaren’s 2023 MCL60 under Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.
The Finnish driver, who was replaced at Stake by F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, has been present at the first two races of the season in Australia and China in his reserve capacity. Along with being on standby for Mercedes, Bottas is also available to step in for McLaren or Williams if needed.
McLaren’s main reserve driver for 2024 is IndyCar star Pato O’Ward, but his commitments in the U.S. series mean he may not be available for certain races. This makes Bottas a crucial backup option in case either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri is unable to compete.
Williams could also call upon Bottas if required, while Aston Martin another Mercedes-powered team has its own reserves, with Felipe Drugovich first in line to replace Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll.
While Bottas is currently testing with McLaren, discussions are ongoing for him to drive an eligible Mercedes car at some point this year, though no final plans have been set.
