Andrea Kimi Antonelli is currently the frontrunner for the position, while Toto Wolff remains hopeful in persuading Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull.
1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has suggested that Valtteri Bottas could return to Mercedes on a one-year contract for 2025.
Mercedes is still deliberating on who will partner with George Russell after Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is currently the leading candidate for the position, while Toto Wolff remains optimistic in convincing Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull.
Carlos Sainz has been mentioned as a possible contender, although it is unlikely he will accept a one-year contract given his current position at Ferrari.
Now, Bottas is also being considered.
Bottas spent five years at Mercedes before joining Sauber in 2022.
During his first season with Sauber, operating under the name Alfa Romeo, Bottas led the team to its best championship result, finishing in sixth place, thanks to a series of impressive performances early in the season.
However, since then, the Swiss-based team has struggled in terms of development, resulting in a drop in their ranking.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Villeneuve made a bold prediction that Bottas would return to Mercedes to make way for Antonelli’s debut in a smaller team.
When asked about the 2025 F1 driver market, Villeneuve stated: “Williams [for Sainz]. Nobody really wants to go there [Haas].
Drivers without a team will gladly accept.
I suppose Bottas will go to Mercedes.
They need a driver for a year.
So who do they choose? They select a driver who will agree to a one-year contract, someone who is familiar with the team, has experience, and can prepare the seat for Antonelli.”
“And then Toto will have to compensate a team to secure a place for Antonelli for a year.”
Karun Chandhok added: “I believe Ollie Bearman will be at Haas.
“The team holds him in high regard.
“The second seat is open, but Ocon is available on the market.
“I’m sure Bottas, Zhou, they are competing for it, so one of them.
“I find Jacques’ theory intriguing – I’ve never heard that about Bottas before.
“Maybe you have some insider information?”
Villeneuve concluded: “No, no. It’s just a hunch.”
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