Valtteri Bottas testing for McLaren in Barcelona
As part of a Previous Car Test (TPC), McLaren entrusted its 2023 single-seater to Valtteri Bottas on the Barcelona circuit. The test was part of the agreement between McLaren and Mercedes on the use of reserve drivers.
Valtteri Bottas hasn’t said his last word in F1. After losing his seat at Sauber at the end of the 2024 season, the Finn is now officially a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2025. But surprise: he was recently spotted driving in Barcelona… for McLaren! Enough to reignite rumors about his future.
It was at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, home of the Spanish Grand Prix, that Bottas returned to the track. And no, not at the wheel of a Mercedes, but of a McLaren MCL60, the 2023 car. The test took place under TPC (Testing Previous Cars) regulations, which allow teams to run older cars to gather data and evaluate drivers.
So why is Bottas with McLaren? The British team, powered by Mercedes engines, has access to Mercedes’ reserve drivers when needed. A situation that could put Bottas front and center if Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri were to be unavailable.
McLaren reserve driver?
Naturally, seeing Bottas on track with McLaren sparked a wave of speculation. Some saw it as a possible step toward an official role with the Papayas. But according to PlanetF1.com, that’s far from the case. Bottas remains Mercedes’ reserve driver, not McLaren’s.
In fact, the Woking team already has a designated reserve driver: Pato O’Ward, an IndyCar star and member of McLaren’s development program. The Mexican has already gained F1 experience, having taken part in three FP1 sessions in recent seasons. So, was it just a way to stay sharp or a real opening at McLaren? One thing’s for sure: in a sport where everything changes fast, it’s always good to have a backup plan…
Bottas fully committed to Mercedes
While some were already imagining him trading his Mercedes suit for McLaren orange, Bottas himself is clear about his role. In an open letter published on Mercedes’ official website, he explained his new responsibilities: « As third driver, I’ll be present at every race and involved in everything performance-related on and off the track. »
The Finn won’t just be watching from the sidelines. He’ll be fully immersed with the team, analyzing data from George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, working in the simulator, and bringing all his experience to the development of the W16. « Whether it’s setup or driving, I’ll try to use my experience to contribute to this great team. I’ll be diving into the data, looking at George’s and Kimi’s dashboards, giving the team an extra pair of eyes. »
He even shared a little nod to his reunion with Mercedes: « I spent Valentine’s Day doing a seat fitting. It was love at first sight! Turns out my old 2021 seat still fits perfectly. »
Nice to be back with Mercedes power today 👀 pic.twitter.com/ph9m2cAS6S
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) March 27, 2025
A more active Bottas than ever
Bottas isn’t just going to work behind the scenes. He fully intends to be an active member of the team—on track and online: « There will be marketing and partner days too, and TikToks of course. I think we’ll have some fun moments on social media this year, so keep your eyes open! »
His legendary sense of humor and Finnish lumberjack look have become cult favorites among fans. Expect to see him in great form on TikTok and Instagram alongside Mercedes, bringing some fun to the paddock.
The Finn may no longer have a full-time race seat, but one thing is certain: we’ll be hearing a lot about him in 2025. Whether it’s through testing, simulations, or viral videos, Bottas is still in the game.
