Valtteri Bottas open to a move to Red Bull: “They know I’m available for next year”
Valtteri Bottas says he's ready to join Red Bull if the team is looking for a new team-mate for Max Verstappen.
The current reserve and development driver at Mercedes did not manage to secure a full-time seat for the 2025 F1 season.
The Finn hoped to remain involved in the Audi project, but Sauber ultimately preferred to sign the young Gabriel Bortoleto.
A return in 2026?
Valtteri Bottas remains optimistic about a return to the grid in 2026. While Red Bull is struggling to find a solid teammate for Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas has hinted that he would be up for the challenge.
After spending five seasons alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, resulting in constructors’ titles each time, the 35-year-old driver is reportedly interested in a move to Red Bull—even though he hints that a senior team official doesn’t hold him in high regard.
« That was dismissed fairly quickly because I think there is one or more people within the Red Bull organization who are not big fans of me, » he explained on the podcast Beyond The Grid.
I don’t know if they look outside their academy. They have so many drivers, including their junior team.
« It’s complicated because their car doesn’t seem easy to drive. Obviously, Max gets the job done. He pushes almost beyond the limits of the car. And everyone who has been alongside him hasn’t shone. But I wonder if, to exploit this car to the maximum, you need an experienced driver. »
« This is just my speculation, but I think they know I want to race. They know I’m available for next year. But I don’t know their mindset about it. »
Bottas also mentions the Alpine option
Alpine could also be in search of a second driver. The French team started the season with Jack Doohan alongside Pierre Gasly.
The Australian was replaced after Miami, leaving his spot to Franco Colapinto. However, the latter is experiencing a complicated start.
When asked about a possible future at Alpine, Valtteri Bottas replied: « They will have a Mercedes engine in the future, which I think is a good decision. »
« They are already on their second driver this season, and I think the next races will show how things are developing. »
« Experience is always an asset, but there is a lot of politics in this sport. I don’t have tens of millions to spend on buying a seat, for example. It all depends on the team, but I have a few personal sponsors who could support me, but not to the extent that some others can offer. »
« We’ll wait to see how things develop. You never know if an opportunity might present itself », he concludes.
Read also: Flavio Briatore is not at all happy with Franco Colapinto at Alpine
