Valtteri Bottas Bids Emotional Farewell to Mercedes: A New Chapter Awaits with Cadillac
In a stunning turn of events, Valtteri Bottas has officially parted ways with Mercedes, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to forget. The Finnish speedster, who enjoyed two stints with the iconic Brackley team from 2017 to 2021 and returned as a reserve driver in 2025, has expressed profound gratitude to the team that felt like family. Bottas’s emotional message comes on the heels of his final race weekend with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a poignant farewell that has left fans and teammates alike reflecting on his impactful journey.
“Thank you, Mercedes,” Bottas shared on social media, encapsulating a season filled with nostalgia and camaraderie. “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. 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 words resonate with sincerity, highlighting the deep connections he forged during his time with Mercedes.
As he turns the page to a thrilling new chapter, Bottas is set to make waves in the 2026 Formula 1 season with Cadillac, where he will pair up with former Red Bull star Sergio Perez. This marks a historic moment as Cadillac prepares to make its highly-anticipated entrance as the 11th team in the F1 paddock. Bottas’s return to the grid comes after a year-long hiatus from a full-time seat, and the excitement is palpable.
Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff has voiced his unwavering support for Bottas, acknowledging his significant contributions to the team. “It is great to see Valtteri regain his place on the F1 grid for next year,” Wolff stated, reflecting on Bottas’s journey. “He still has so much to offer as a racing driver and deserves to be lining up in Melbourne for the 2026 season. We will, of course, be sad to see him go. He has played an important role in our team, and his contribution as our third driver this year has been exemplary.”
Cadillac wasted no time in celebrating Bottas’s arrival, declaring, “The time is now.” This bold statement signifies their commitment to making a mark in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. Bottas, now at the age of 36, is eager to embrace this new challenge and showcase his talents on a grander stage.
As the dust settles on his departure from Mercedes, Bottas’s future looks brighter than ever. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as he gears up for a fresh start with Cadillac, ready to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. With a heartfelt goodbye to Mercedes and an exhilarating new opportunity on the horizon, Valtteri Bottas is poised to make his mark in Formula 1 history once again.
