Valtteri Bottas may remain an ever-present figure on the Formula 1 grid next year despite not securing full-time driving seat with Mercedes, according to reports. He may serve in an advisory capacity and potentially act as reserve driver during races.
Bottas’s Future in Formula 1 Uncertain After Missing Full-Time Seat
Bottas now faces significant hurdles to his Formula 1 racing future following failed negotiations with Sauber and other teams, such as Williams and Alpine. Once considered an attractive candidate for teams such as Sauber, Williams and Alpine – options have since dwindled considerably due to events like Sainz moving to Williams and Alpine signing Doohan respectively; leaving Sauber as his last remaining hope; however after they decided on Gabriel Bortoleto instead Bottas is considering alternative plans in order to continue his F1 career.
Mercedes Reserve Role Seen as Logical Step for Bottas
Bottas remains committed to continuing his career in Formula 1, even amid setbacks in finding a drive for 2025 season. Following in the footsteps of Nico Hulkenberg’s successful return, his strategy mirrors Hulkenberg’s approach in coming back successfully after taking time away. While other racing series remain an option, Bottas sees Mercedes reserve driver role as being ideal preparation for future competitive racing returns; his experience and vast simulator/test work could benefit this role and potentially open doors in coming years.
As the driver market changes, Bottas’ association with Mercedes could prove pivotal to his efforts of returning to Formula 1.