Valtteri Bottas Makes Mercedes Return Following Sauber Exit
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Valtteri Bottas returns to Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season after leaving Sauber. Learn about Bottas' career, his contributions to Mercedes' success, and his new role in F1.
Valtteri Bottas has officially returned to Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 season, rejoining the team as a reserve driver after his departure from Sauber. Bottas’ return marks a new chapter in his F1 career, following a successful five-season stint with the Silver Arrows, where he won 10 Grand Prix and contributed significantly to Mercedes' dominance in the sport.
From Mercedes to Sauber and Back
Bottas first left Mercedes in 2021 after a fruitful five-season tenure, during which he played a key role in helping the team win five consecutive Constructors’ Championships. After moving to Alfa Romeo in 2022, Bottas aimed to push the team forward, but with the impending Audi takeover and the addition of Nico Hülkenberg, Sauber opted for youth in 2025, bringing in Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto alongside Zhou Guanyu.
Following the announcement that he and Zhou would not be retained for the 2025 season, Bottas received an offer to return to Mercedes as a third driver. Mercedes made their intentions clear with a playful social media post featuring Bottas in the team’s race suit and a teasing image highlighting his signature mullet and moustache, signaling his return to Brackley.
Bottas Speaks on His Return
In his statement following the announcement, Bottas expressed his excitement about returning to the Mercedes family, saying, “I’m happy to finally answer the question I’ve posed over the past month. Returning home to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased.” He went on to thank team principal Toto Wolff and the entire Mercedes squad for welcoming him back.
Reflecting on his past in Formula 1, Bottas added, “Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I’ve still got so much more to contribute to F1. Since I was a five-year-old kid growing up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on achieving success in the top tier of motorsport. I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed many incredible moments in my 12 years of racing in F1 so far.”
With Bottas’ vast experience and technical knowledge, he aims to use all that he’s learned to support Mercedes in their pursuit of world championships, helping the team progress as they continue to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
Toto Wolff's Praise for Bottas
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also welcomed Bottas back to the team, acknowledging his significant contributions during his previous stint. “Welcome home, Valtteri! It’s great to have you back,” Wolff said. “His impact and contribution in the five years he was with us previously as our race driver was immense. Along with scoring multiple Grand Prix wins, he played a vital role in five of our championship victories.”
Wolff went on to highlight Bottas’ technical feedback and input as crucial in helping Mercedes secure their success. “Not only that, but he was also a fantastic colleague and team member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a firm favourite with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth,” Wolff added.
As Mercedes’ third driver for the 2025 season, Bottas will play an important role in supporting the team’s primary drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, both on and off the track. His wealth of experience, paired with his technical insights and team spirit, will be invaluable as Mercedes looks to remain competitive in the quest for world titles.
What’s Next for Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas’ return to Mercedes as a reserve driver signals a continued strong relationship between the Finnish driver and the Silver Arrows. While Bottas may not be racing regularly in the 2025 season, his expertise and experience will be crucial in helping the team continue their pursuit of success in Formula 1.
As Mercedes looks to recover their championship-winning form, Bottas’ role as reserve driver will see him working closely with the team’s main drivers, offering valuable feedback and support as the team aims to maintain its competitive edge in the sport.
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