Valtteri Bottas is ready to return to Mercedes, this time in the role of third driver for the 2025 season, after saying goodbye Sauber. The announcement of Gabriel Bortoleto's hiring for next season officially closed Bottas' chapter in Sauber, but the Finn immediately seized the opportunity to accept a new challenge with the Brackley team, where he had already built a solid history from 2017 to 2021. The iconic identikit of Bottas appeared on the team's social media, that is, the moustache and mullet with the phrase "What's Next?". Post that Valtteri shared on his stories, confirming what was now a more than accredited hypothesis. Shortly after, the official confirmation arrived: Bottas will be the reserve driver for 2025!
Farewell to Sauber and a return to the origins
After three years together, Bottas and Sauber are parting ways, closing a journey marked by ups and downs. The driver expressed gratitude for the time spent with the Swiss team, sharing a message on social media: “After three years at Sauber, we have decided to part ways. I want to thank everyone in the team and you guys for the support then, now and in the future.” Words that reflect Bottas' attachment to the team, despite a complicated season, with Sauber still without points in the 2024 championship.
Return to Mercedes as third driver
This morning, following the announcement of Liam Lawson as Perez's replacement at Red Bull, another long-awaited piece of news arrived: the confirmation of Valtteri Bottas as Mercedes' third driver.
“10 Grand Prix wins. 20 pole positions. 67 podiums. A key role in five consecutive Constructors’ World Championships. A storied career. An icon of the F1 paddock. Valtteri Bottas returns home to the three-pointed star as reserve driver for 2025.”
With Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari and youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli making his debut as a driver, Mercedes has chosen Bottas not just as a reserve, but as an experienced figure who can step in and make a difference if needed. Bottas knows the team well and knows how to handle the pressure of Formula 1, qualities Mercedes wanted to secure to support Antonelli, who will face the challenge of his first year in F1.
For Antonelli, having Bottas at his side means being able to count on a safe driving position. The Finn will not simply be a reserve driver, but a mentor, a figure who can offer advice and stability. His experience will give the young Italian a valuable reference point, helping him adapt to Formula 1 and find his place in the team.
This is also a new beginning for Bottas. Being back in Mercedes allows him to stay active in F1, to continue to breathe the atmosphere of the paddock and to stay ready for every possible occasion.
“What's next? I am happy to finally answer the question I have been asking myself for the last month. Returning to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is the next step and I couldn't be happier. I would like to thank Toto, the team in Brackley and all the employees of the three-pointed star for welcoming me with open arms.
