Bottas Set to Rejoin Mercedes as Reserve Driver

Valtteri Bottas is on track to rejoin Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2025 season following his departure from Sauber at the end of 2024. Despite his aspirations for a full-time racing position, Bottas is navigating a challenging job market in Formula 1. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is enthusiastic about Bottas's return, emphasizing the advantages of having an experienced driver within the team. Bottas himself, aware of the sport's unpredictability, remains eager to maintain his career in any racing role.

Negotiations between Bottas and Mercedes are reportedly progressing, with both sides keen on formalizing a deal. Having previously raced for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, Bottas is currently with Alfa Romeo but will be leaving at the end of the season. Wolff values Bottas’s familiarity with modern F1 cars, recognizing it as a significant asset. While Bottas has ruled out the possibility of joining RB in 2025, citing a lack of support from certain individuals there, he has also expressed openness to opportunities with General Motors, should they enter Formula 1.