Valtteri Bottas is back with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, but this time, he’s not behind the wheel as a full-time driver. Instead, the 10-time Grand Prix winner will serve as both a reserve driver and a mentor to the team’s highly anticipated young talent, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
This move follows Bottas’s departure from Audi F1, after the German manufacturer opted for a fresh lineup ahead of its official 2026 entry into Formula 1.
A Vital Role in Antonelli’s Growth
At just 18 years old, Antonelli is set to become one of the youngest drivers in Formula 1 history. With Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, the Italian will need all the guidance he can get, and Team Principal Toto Wolff believes Bottas is the perfect mentor:
“Part of Valtteri’s role will be to have a look at Kimi. Be there to coach, be there to have an eye on what’s happening on the track. Kimi is going to learn from Valtteri and from George Russell.”
Bottas’s experience in Mercedes’ dominant hybrid era (2017–2021) makes him a valuable asset, especially in helping Antonelli adjust to the pressures of competing for one of F1’s most prestigious teams. His five years alongside Lewis Hamilton in the most dominant team of the modern era means he understands the expectations better than most.
And with Mercedes eager to reclaim its place at the top, having Bottas on board to develop Antonelli and contribute to car development could prove to be a masterstroke.
The ‘Authentic’ Bottas Stays—With Some Tweaks
Aside from his on-track abilities, Bottas has become a fan-favorite for his off-track personality—embracing his free-spirited, unfiltered persona.
However, Toto Wolff made it clear that while Mercedes wants to keep Bottas’s authenticity, certain elements of his post-Mercedes personality shift might need to be toned down:
“We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore. We’ve said that, but we need to keep him authentic. If he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should.”
Bottas’s wild mullet and relaxed attitude have made him a cult figure among fans, but Mercedes still expects professionalism. That said, his return does add a refreshing touch of personality to a team that has always carried a corporate image.
What Does This Mean for Mercedes in 2025?
The Bottas-Russell-Antonelli dynamic at Mercedes could define the team’s short-term future. While George Russell takes over as the lead driver, Antonelli will need time to develop.
Bottas, in turn, gives the team a strong fallback option in case Antonelli struggles—or if they need a reliable, experienced driver for any unforeseen circumstances.
More importantly, his return could help stabilize the team, which has faced turbulence in recent years. If Mercedes’ W16 is competitive, Bottas’s role in the simulator and feedback sessions could be crucial in their development battle against Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Can Bottas Help Antonelli Thrive? Or Is This Just a Temporary Fix?
While Bottas’s reserve driver role may seem like a side story, his presence in the Mercedes garage in 2025 could have major implications for the team’s long-term future.
- Can he help shape Antonelli into a future star?
- Will his experience help Mercedes regain its championship-winning form?
- And, of course, will he keep the mullet?
One thing is certain: Valtteri Bottas isn’t done making an impact in Formula 1.