Mercedes has announced that Valtteri Bottas will return to the team as a reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, following his departure from Kick Sauber after the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This news marks an exciting new chapter for Bottas, who will now play a pivotal behind-the-scenes role with the Silver Arrows as they aim for future championship success.
Valtteri Bottas’ F1 Journey So Far
Bottas’ career in Formula 1 has been one of highs and lows. The Finnish driver spent five seasons with Mercedes, partnering with Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021. During this period, Bottas secured all 10 of his career victories and earned 20 pole positions. His contributions were vital to Mercedes’ dominance in the hybrid era, where the team claimed seven consecutive Constructors’ Championships. Bottas was often in the shadow of Hamilton but played a crucial role in the team’s success, consistently delivering strong performances and often acting as a dependable wingman to the British driver.
In 2022, Bottas made the move to Sauber, which was competing under the Alfa Romeo name at the time. His decision came after Mercedes opted to promote George Russell to the race seat alongside Hamilton, signaling the end of Bottas’ stint with the Silver Arrows. The transition to Alfa Romeo was bittersweet for Bottas. While he had some impressive moments, including finishing 10th in the 2022 Drivers’ Championship, his results in 2024 were disappointing, failing to score points for much of the season.
Bottas’ Return to Mercedes as a Reserve Driver
As Sauber chose not to renew Bottas’ contract for the 2025 season, opting instead for a new driver lineup of Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, Bottas turned to Mercedes to stay involved in Formula 1. The move to rejoin Mercedes in a reserve driver role comes after several discussions between Bottas and the team, and it marks a significant return to the family where he enjoyed so much success.
As part of his new role, Bottas will attend most, if not all, Formula 1 Grands Prix in 2025. While he won’t be competing as a race driver, his primary responsibilities will involve supporting regular race drivers George Russell and the debuting Kimi Antonelli, who will be joining the Mercedes team. Bottas will offer his extensive experience and knowledge to the team, helping to provide valuable technical feedback and insights that will be essential as Mercedes looks to regain its championship-winning form.
Bottas’ Statement on Returning to Mercedes
Expressing his excitement about returning to Mercedes, Bottas said, “Returning home to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased. I want to thank Toto Wolff, the team at Brackley, and everyone at the three-pointed star for welcoming me back with open arms.”
He also reflected on his journey in Formula 1: “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.”
Toto Wolff Welcomes Bottas Back to Mercedes
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff was equally enthusiastic about Bottas’ return. He welcomed Bottas back, saying, “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.”
Wolff also highlighted Bottas’ character and his contributions beyond the track: “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.”
What Does the Future Hold for Bottas?
While Bottas won’t be racing in 2025, this return to Mercedes as a reserve driver provides him with the perfect opportunity to stay close to the action and remain involved in the sport as he aims to return to a race seat in the future. His goal of racing again in 2026 is clearly in his sights, and his experience with Mercedes will be invaluable as the team continues to develop its car and fight for future championships.
For Bottas, this role is a strategic move that keeps him in the conversation for a return to the grid while allowing him to continue working with one of the top teams in Formula 1. His technical expertise and long-standing relationship with Mercedes will provide invaluable support to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, both of whom will benefit from Bottas’ wealth of experience.
Conclusion
Valtteri Bottas’ return to Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2025 season marks the beginning of a new chapter in his Formula 1 career. While he won’t be racing full-time, his role as a support driver will ensure he remains an important part of the Mercedes family. As the team continues to aim for world championships, Bottas’ extensive experience and technical insight will be crucial in pushing Mercedes forward. This collaboration between Bottas, Russell, and Antonelli could help the Silver Arrows regain their dominant form and set the stage for future successes in Formula 1.
