Valtteri Bottas Set for Mercedes Comeback in 2025

Valtteri Bottas is set to return to Mercedes as their reserve driver for the 2025 season. The 35-year-old Finn recently parted ways with Audi-owned Sauber after three years with the Swiss team. Bottas previously drove for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 securing 10 race wins and 20 pole positions. In his new role, he will support race drivers George Russell and newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Bottas expressed excitement about returning to Mercedes, calling it “coming home” and emphasizing his desire to contribute further to F1.

Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged the challenges of recent years but stated he still has much to offer. Bottas recalled his childhood dreams of racing in F1 and highlighted the significant moments he experienced during his time with Mercedes. He looks forward to using his knowledge to help the team in their pursuit of world championships. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff welcomed Bottas back, praising his previous impact on the team which included multiple Grand Prix victories and a vital role in securing five championship titles.

Wolff noted that Bottas’ technical feedback and contributions helped drive the team’s success, and his personality made him a favorite within the organization. In his reserve driver role, Valtteri Bottas will continue to offer valuable insights and support to the team. Bottas admitted that his move to Sauber was a “mistake” and stated that the team, now owned by Audi, chose other drivers instead including German veteran Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who won the Formula 2 title this year.