Valtteri Bottas will return to Mercedes as a reserve driver subsequent 12 months after lacking out on a seat in Components 1 in 2025.
Bottas was Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 earlier than transferring to Sauber when he was changed by George Russell in 2022.
Following three robust seasons at Sauber his contract was not renewed for 2025 after the Swiss group, which is about to grow to be Audi in 2026, signed Nico Hülkenberg and Components 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto for 2025.
Following Hamilton’s determination to go away for Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes’ driver line-up will characteristic Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli subsequent 12 months, with Bottas performing as reserve.
When it grew to become clear Bottas wouldn’t drive for Sauber subsequent 12 months, he began a social media marketing campaign with the phrase “What’s subsequent?,” which he additionally used to promote merchandise for a charitable trigger.
“I am joyful to lastly reply the query I’ve posed over the previous month,” Bottas stated. “Returning residence to the Mercedes household as third driver for 2025 is what’s subsequent and I could not be extra happy. I wish to thank Toto, the group at Brackley, and everybody on the three-pointed star for welcoming me again with open arms.
“Regardless of the challenges of the previous few years, I do know that I’ve nonetheless received a lot extra to contribute to F1. Since I used to be a five-year-old child rising up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on reaching success within the high tier of motorsport. I have been lucky to have loved many unbelievable moments in my 12 years of racing in F1 to date.
“As I return to the place the place so a lot of these moments had been achieved, I am trying ahead to utilizing all of the data I’ve gained to assist the group to carry out and progress in the direction of our purpose of combating for world championships.”
Group principal Toto Wolff added: “Welcome residence, Valtteri! It is nice to have you ever again.
“His influence and contribution within the 5 years he was with us beforehand as our race driver was immense. Together with scoring a number of Grands Prix wins, he performed a significant position in 5 of our championship victories.
“His technical suggestions and enter had been essential in serving to us to these successes and pushing the group ahead. Not solely that, however he was additionally a incredible colleague and group member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a agency favorite with everybody at Brackley and Brixworth.
“In his position as reserve driver, all these qualities will probably be extremely essential in serving to us compete for world championships and supporting each George and Kimi on observe.”