Bottas Rules Out Red Bull Move for 2025
Summary
Valtteri Bottas has officially ruled out a move to Red Bull for the 2025 season, citing a lack of support from the team based on past experiences while racing for Mercedes. Despite Red Bull's current challenges, exemplified by Sergio Perez’s underperformance, Bottas feels no opportunity would arise for him there. Instead, he has expressed a willingness to return to Mercedes in a reserve role, with positive discussions already taking place with team principal Toto Wolff.
Bottas, who is facing uncertainty after Sauber's recent lineup changes, remains optimistic about his future in Formula 1. He appreciates Mercedes' consideration of him, believing that rejoining the team would keep him connected to the sport and open doors for potential full-time opportunities in 2026, possibly with teams like Cadillac. His gratitude toward Wolff underscores the potential value of returning to the Mercedes family, highlighting the combination of his experience and the familiarity of modern F1 cars. Despite stepping back for the upcoming season, Bottas is determined to continue his racing career.