{"id":26576,"date":"2024-11-10T05:29:06","date_gmt":"2024-11-10T10:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=26576"},"modified":"2024-11-10T05:29:06","modified_gmt":"2024-11-10T10:29:06","slug":"valtteri-bottas-inches-closer-to-mercedes-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/10\/valtteri-bottas-inches-closer-to-mercedes-return\/","title":{"rendered":"Valtteri Bottas inches closer to Mercedes return"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite missing out on a full-time contract, Valtteri Bottas<\/a> could still be active in the F1 paddock next year. The Finn is understood to be in negotiations with Mercedes for a reserve driver role.<\/p>\n

Bottas plans next steps in Formula 1<\/h2>\n

Failing to secure a deal with Sauber, or any other team, is undoubtedly a huge blow for Bottas’ F1 aspirations.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of the season, there were many plausible options for the 10-time race winner.<\/p>\n

Sauber, Williams<\/a> and even Alpine were all named as realistic destinations for Bottas. He was even spotted entering and leaving the Williams motorhome before the summer break.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately for the Finn, Sainz’s shock move to Williams eliminated one of his best options.<\/p>\n

Alpine’s decision<\/a> to sign Doohan closed yet another door, leaving Sauber as the last lifeline for a full-time contract.<\/p>\n

With Mattia Binotto’s team<\/a> ultimately opting for Gabriel Bortoleto to complete their 2025 line-up, Bottas must work on his contingency plan.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>