George Russell (63) of United Kingdom and team Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team during the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix- Source: Getty
Kick Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas claimed that returning to the Mercedes F1 team was an alternative for him for the 2025 season. The Finnish driver joined the Hinwil-based outfit at the beginning of the 2022 season after five successful seasons at the German team.
Despite competent performances over three years, the 10-time race winner's F1 future hangs by a thread, given the options for the Swiss team that would become Audi in 2026. Valtteri Bottas is in the running to retain his seat at Sauber but the team does have viable options in rookies like Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto to race alongside Nico Hulkenberg next year.
Ahead of the 2024 Mexico City GP, speaking with F1.com, Bottas confirmed that he was prioritizing a full-time race seat for next year but was open to being a reserve driver as well, saying:
