Formula 1: Valtteri Bottas returning to Mercedes as reserve driver
Valtteri Bottas will return to Mercedes as reserve driver in 2025.
The 35-year-old Finn was released by Audi’s Sauber team as a free agent at the end of this season after three years with the Swiss team.
Bottas drove for Mercedes from 2017-21, winning 10 races and taking 20 pole positions. He will serve as backup to racer George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Bottas said: “The next step is to return to the Mercedes family as the third driver in 2025 and I am very happy.
“Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know I can still contribute more to F1.
“Ever since I was a five-year-old child growing up in Nastola, Finland, I have been focused on succeeding at the top level of motorsport. I have been lucky enough to enjoy many incredible moments during my 12-year racing career. F1 to date.
“As I return to the place where so many of my moments have been achieved, I look forward to using all the knowledge I’ve gained to help the team perform and move toward the goal of competing for a world championship.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “It’s great to have (Bottas) back. He had a huge impact and contribution during his five years as our racing driver.
“In addition to his multiple Grand Prix wins, he also played a vital role in our five championship victories.
“His technical feedback and input have been critical in helping us achieve these successes and move the team forward. Not only that, but he is a great colleague and team member.
“His dry sense of humor and personable personality endeared him to everyone in Brackley and Brixworth (Mercedes’ chassis and engine headquarters).
“As a reserve driver, all these qualities are very important in helping us fight for the world championship and supporting George and Kimi on the track.”
Bottas said in the final race of the season that his move to Sauber was “a mistake”.
The Swiss team has been acquired by Audi as the basis for their official entry into F1 in 2026. They prefer German veteran Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian newcomer Gabriel Bortoletto, who won the Formula 2 title this year, to Bottas.
