Valtteri Bottas, once a linchpin of Mercedes’ dominant era in Formula 1, is making a triumphant return to the Brackley-based squad. The team confirmed on Thursday that Bottas will rejoin the Silver Arrows as its official reserve driver for the 2025 season, marking a homecoming to the team that defined his career’s golden years.
From Glory to Adversity
Bottas raced for Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021, amassing an impressive record of 10 victories, 58 podiums, and 20 pole positions. His contributions were instrumental in helping Mercedes secure five consecutive constructors’ championships, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and formidable competitor.
After departing Mercedes, Bottas ventured to Sauber on a three-year deal. However, this chapter proved to be one of adversity rather than triumph. Sauber’s performance dwindled, and by 2024, Bottas found himself in an uncompetitive C44, scoring zero points in a dismal campaign. The arrival of Nico Hulkenberg and Formula 2 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto for 2025 left Bottas without a race seat, seemingly closing the door on his F1 career.
A Welcome Return to Brackley
With Mick Schumacher vacating the reserve driver role, Bottas seized the opportunity to return to Mercedes. The Finn expressed his excitement about reuniting with the team that gave him the most successful years of his career.
“I’m happy to finally answer the question I’ve posed over the past month,” Bottas said. “Returning home to the Mercedes family as Third Driver for 2025 is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased. Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I’ve still got so much more to contribute to F1.”
Reflecting on his journey, Bottas added, “Since I was a five-year-old kid growing up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on achieving success in the top tier of motorsport. As I return to the place where so many of those moments were achieved, I’m looking forward to using all the knowledge I’ve gained to help the team perform and progress towards our goal of fighting for world championships.”
Toto Wolff: “Welcome Home, Valtteri!”
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed his enthusiasm about Bottas’ return, highlighting his invaluable contributions during his previous tenure.
“Welcome home, Valtteri! It’s great to have you back,” Wolff said. “His impact and contribution in the five years he was with us previously as our race driver was immense. Along with scoring multiple Grand Prix wins, he played a vital role in five of our championship victories.”
Wolff emphasized Bottas’ technical expertise and team spirit. “His technical feedback and input were important in helping us to those successes and pushing the team forward. Not only that, but he was also a fantastic colleague and team member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a firm favourite with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.”
As Reserve Driver, Bottas will provide crucial support to Mercedes’ race drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, as the team aims to reclaim its championship-winning dominance.
The Road Ahead
Bottas’ return to Mercedes signifies a fresh chapter for both the driver and the team. While his days as a full-time race driver may be on pause, his wealth of experience and technical insight will be pivotal in Mercedes’ quest for more world titles. For Bottas, it’s an opportunity to remain deeply connected to the sport he loves while contributing to one of Formula 1’s most storied teams.