Valtteri Bottas Bids an Emotional Farewell to Mercedes Ahead of Groundbreaking 2026 Team Switch
In a stunning turn of events, Mercedes F1 star Valtteri Bottas has taken to social media to express his heartfelt farewell to the iconic Silver Arrows team, just as the 2025 championship draws to a close. The Finnish driver, who has had a storied career with Mercedes, is now poised to embark on a thrilling new chapter with Cadillac as they prepare to make their Formula 1 debut in 2026.
Bottas’s departure marks the end of an era, as the seasoned driver returned to Mercedes this season as their test and reserve driver. After being let go by Sauber, Bottas was welcomed back into the fold, reuniting with his former team and taking on a pivotal role during what he calls his “gap year.” This season, he not only honed his racing skills but also became a social media sensation, engaging fans and followers with his vibrant personality and charm.
In an emotional Instagram post, Bottas reflected on his time with Mercedes, stating, “Thank you Mercedes. It was great to be back with the family this season during my ‘gap year’. This team always has a special place in my heart, and I really appreciate the opportunity to be the 3rd driver for the team.” He further expressed his deep respect for the organization, stating, “I now respect the team, the sport, and every personnel involved even more than before. Wishing you all the best for the future & see you around soon!”
His departure has stirred sentiments among team members and fans alike. Fellow reserve driver Frederik Vesti chimed in with warmth, saying, “It was a great pleasure this year VB! Best of luck in 2026!” Meanwhile, Mercedes’ kit partner, adidas, also paid tribute to Bottas, saying, “Don’t know where to start. The moustache, the laughs, the fits. THANK YOU for everything, Valtteri. See you next year back on track.”
As Bottas prepares to don the Cadillac colors alongside fellow F1 veteran Sergio Perez, the stakes are higher than ever. Cadillac aims to leverage the experience of this dynamic duo to create a significant impact in their inaugural season, coinciding with a pivotal cycle of regulations set to reshape the sport.
With anticipation building for the new season, Bottas’s farewell to Mercedes is not just a goodbye; it’s a launchpad for new possibilities. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this change will catalyze a remarkable comeback for the Finnish driver as he transitions into this exciting new phase of his career.
As the F1 world watches closely, the stage is set for an electrifying 2026 season, and Bottas’s journey is sure to be one of the most talked-about stories in motorsport. Will he rise to the occasion and help Cadillac carve out its place in the highly competitive world of Formula 1? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Valtteri Bottas is ready to make waves once again.









