Valtteri Bottas eyes Cadillac entry: ‘an interesting project’
Valtteri Bottas Eyes Return to Formula 1 with Cadillac
Former Formula 1 race winner Valtteri Bottas is expressing enthusiasm about a potential move to the grid with Cadillac, the new American team set to make its Formula 1 debut next season. Cadillac, poised to become the sport’s 11th team, has generated significant buzz as it builds its program from the ground up. Bottas believes the opportunity represents a fresh and motivating challenge.
Bottas Discusses Cadillac in F1’s Beyond the Grid Podcast
In an episode of Formula 1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, the Finnish driver, who served as a reserve for Mercedes this year after parting ways with Sauber, discussed his F1 ambitions and Cadillac’s appeal:
“For me, I actually see a very interesting project—something new to F1,” Bottas remarked. “An American team with maybe a different view to the sport. If I would be there as a driver, it would be actually very interesting because you can start from scratch. The team starts from zero. You could actually make a big influence on certain things, which direction to go, and that would be very motivating and rewarding when the success comes.”
Speculation Grows Over Cadillac’s Driver Lineup
Amid speculation about who will join Cadillac’s roster, Bottas is letting the process play out but keeps an eye on potential opportunities. Team principal Graeme Lowdon has confirmed that at least six drivers are under consideration for its two seats, and ESPN reports that names like Sergio Pérez remain high on the team’s radar. However, Bottas, with his 10 Grand Prix wins and experience in elite teams such as Mercedes and Williams, offers a compelling case for the new operation.
“I don’t think they’re in a massive rush,” Bottas said of Cadillac’s decision-making process. “They’ve been very, very busy on trying to get a car on the grid for next year. I know my timeline, when I want to know about next year and what plans do I need to make, which I think, August, more or less, is a pretty good target for that. But hopefully, we’ll hear something more soon.”
Experience as a Key Selling Point
The 33-year-old pointed to his extensive experience as a possible advantage: "I would imagine my experience will help because now I’ve raced in three different teams, with one of the teams [that] had mega success. With Williams as well, [we] had some great results, so I hope I’m in a good position."
Bottas, who played a key role in Mercedes’ domination from 2017 to 2021—helping them secure five consecutive constructors’ championships—found himself on the sidelines this year after being released by Sauber at the end of last season. Despite the setback, Bottas is adamant that his F1 story isn’t over.
Bottas’ Determination to Return
“I definitely still feel—and that emotion was quite quick after I knew I wouldn’t get a seat for this year—that I’m not done yet with F1,” Bottas emphasized. “I still have more to give. It’s still [the] number one thing in my life. That sensation, now that I’ve been watching aside, has got stronger and stronger and stronger, and now I really start to miss racing.”
A Golden Opportunity with Cadillac
With Bottas eager to return, Cadillac’s F1 debut could present a golden opportunity not just for the team, but for the Finnish driver to make a triumphant comeback—one that aligns perfectly with the team’s goal of making a mark in the world’s most prestigious motorsport.
Timing, preparation, and decision-making will ultimately determine whether Bottas gets the chance to be part of what he calls “an interesting project.” For now, F1 fans will have to wait for Cadillac to reveal its driver lineup, which seems increasingly poised to command attention as the 2024 season approaches.
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