When the season began, Valtteri Bottas was relatively confident about securing a 2025 seat. Unfortunately for Bottas, the doors have slowly closed for a full-time contract next season – meaning he is forced to look at alternatives. Among the best paths available to the Finn is a Mercedes return.
Bottas in talks for Mercedes comeback
Although Sauber officially announced Gabriel Bortoleto’s arrival a few hours ago, Bottas has been considering other options for some time.
After all, even though the 10-time winner was hopeful of an extension, the team’s hesitance throughout 2024 spoke volumes.
Bottas knew his chances of a contract extension were uncertain, meaning negotiations have been taking place in the background for several weeks.
Because of this, there is a clearly defined path to stay in the F1 paddock:
“But, of course, as I don’t have anything signed… I’ve got to look at all the alternatives,” he told the media in Mexico.
“Including going back to the Mercedes family. That’s for sure one option, and I would consider it.”
Since making these comments, the Finn’s chances of joining the Silver Arrows as a reserve driver have steadily grown.
With several race victories and dozens of podiums under his belt, Valtteri Bottas is arguably over-qualified for this role. However, with a full-time seat off the table, this could be his next best option.
After all, other drivers have managed to return to Formula 1 after spending a year (or several) on the sidelines.
Nico Hulkenberg is the most recent example of this, joining Haas in 2023 after three seasons without a full-time drive. Since then, the 37-year-old has repaid Haas for offering him a final lifeline in F1.
Before earning this full-time deal, Hulkenberg’s market benefited from a series of exceptional ‘substitute’ performances.
Two of these appearances were with Racing Point in 2020, and another two at Aston Martin in 2022 – filling in for Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel respectively.
Although there is no guarantee Bottas enjoys the same fairy-tale comeback at Hulkenberg, becoming a Mercedes reserve driver would keep him active in the paddock.
Depending on how the market evolves, this could represent Bottas’ best chance to capitalise on any openings on the grid.
