Valtteri Bottas: “I’m not done with F1 yet”
Valtteri Bottas says he « isn't done with Formula 1 yet » and still has « things to bring » to the sport in the future.
The driver with ten Grand Prix victories is still exploring his options to return to the grid.
Valtteri Bottas hopes to return to F1
Valtteri Bottas found himself without a seat for the 2025 season after Sauber chose a completely new driver duo, forcing him to take a step back and eventually accept a role as a reserve and test driver at Mercedes, his former team.
Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, the 35-year-old Finn insisted on his desire to secure a full-time position in 2026 – the year of introduction of the new technical regulations – and to continue his career in Grand Prix racing.
« I am here today without a steering wheel, not by choice, » said Valtteri Bottas. « I still feel, and this feeling came very quickly after knowing that I wouldn’t have a seat this year, that I am not done with F1. »
« I still have things to give. It is still the number one priority in my life. This feeling, now that I am a spectator, has grown stronger and stronger, and I’m really starting to miss racing. »
A feeling of incompleteness for the Mercedes reserve driver. I feel that, especially in the last two years of my career, this is clearly not how I want it to end.
« At the end of last year, whether in qualifying or in the race, I felt that I was at the top of my form. I don’t feel any drop in level for now. That’s why I want to continue. We humans age, but I don’t feel it yet! »
An option available at Cadillac?
One of the projects Valtteri Bottas is involved in is that of Cadillac, a team in the process of being launched – supported by the American giant General Motors and TWG Motorsports, which will make its entry in F1 next year.
With his experience and track record, Valtteri Bottas could be an asset for this team still under construction. He also admits that this project is very interesting from the outside.
I don’t think they are in a rush, he explained, talking about Cadillac’s driver choices. They are very, very focused on getting a car on the grid for next year. I know my own schedule, I know when I want to have answers for next year and the decisions I need to make. I think aiming for August is a good target. But I hope we will have news sooner.
He continues: « I think they have several drivers on their list. I imagine that my experience could be an asset, as I have raced for three different teams, one of which has had enormous success. Even with Williams, we achieved very good results, so I hope to be in a good position. »
« For me, it’s really a very interesting project: something new in F1, an American team with perhaps a different vision of the sport. If I were there as a driver, it would be really exciting, because everything starts from scratch. You can really have a significant influence on certain choices, on the direction to take, and it would be very motivating and rewarding when the results come. »
« I think that a change in regulations is always a good time to make a comeback because you never know: if you find the right formula, you can perform really well right from the start », he concluded.
