has returned to because the group’s F1 reserve driver in 2025.
Sauber on the finish of the 2024 season after three years collectively however Bottas will rejoin the Silver Arrows – the place he raced from 2017-2021 and claimed 5 constructors’ titles in a row – as backup to and subsequent yr.
A spot has opened up as a reserve at Mercedes after Mick Schumacher following the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Bottas, 35, mentioned: “I’m comfortable to lastly reply the query I’ve posed over the previous month. Returning house to the Mercedes household as third driver for 2025 is what’s subsequent and I couldn’t be extra happy.
“I wish to thank Toto, the group at Brackley, and everybody on the three-pointed star for welcoming me again with open arms.
“Regardless of the challenges of the previous few years, I do know that I’ve nonetheless received a lot extra to contribute to .
“Since I used to be a five-year-old child rising up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on reaching success within the prime tier of motorsport. I’ve been lucky to have loved many unimaginable moments in my 12 years of racing in F1 up to now.
“As I return to the place the place so lots of these moments had been achieved, I’m wanting ahead to utilizing all of the information I’ve gained to assist the group to carry out and progress in direction of our aim of preventing for world championships.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff added: “Welcome house, Valtteri! It’s nice to have you ever again. His influence and contribution within the 5 years he was with us beforehand as our race driver was immense.
“Together with scoring a number of Grands Prix wins, he performed a significant position in 5 of our championship victories. His technical suggestions and enter had been necessary in serving to us to these successes and pushing the group ahead. Not solely that, however he was additionally a unbelievable colleague and group member.
“His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a agency favorite with everybody at Brackley and Brixworth.
“In his position as Reserve Driver, all these qualities shall be extremely necessary in serving to us compete for world championships and supporting each George and Kimi on observe.”
