Valtteri Bottas seems to be set to remain in System 1, with a reserve driver function at former crew Mercedes seemingly on the cusp of completion.
The Finn spent 5 years at Mercedes between 2017 and 2021 earlier than shifting to Alfa Romeo for 2022. Since rebranded as Sauber, he’ll depart on the finish of 2024 because the crew replaces each of its present drivers.
At Sauber, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have been signed for 2025, with Audi’s takeover accomplished in time to enter F1 from the next yr.
Bottas had hoped to hold onto his seat however was the final driver on the present grid to be taught his destiny – though there now seems a degree of certainty he’ll return to the Silver Arrows as a reserve driver, the place teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli will companion George Russell.
“Nothing is signed, nothing is finished but when we had been to have him again within the household, all of us we might be all stuffed with pleasure,” Mercedes crew principal Toto Wolff instructed Viaplay forward of qualifying on the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
“I imply, what you possibly can say is that if in case you have the chance in having a pilot like Valtteri again within the Mercedes household, together with his capacity, together with his most up-to-date expertise of those trendy automobiles, you possibly can you deem your self tremendous fortunate.”
Requested how a lot he would sit up for welcoming Bottas again, Wolff added: “Very a lot. You already know negotiations on the finish, attorneys all the time wish to make contracts fail! I am joking, they’re nice attorneys, and it is a matter of time.”
Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Group KICK Sauber, within the cockpit
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
Bottas, 35, received 10 races as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes, twice ending second within the drivers’ championship.
He has not completed larger than thirteenth this yr in a tough season for Sauber, and admitted earlier within the weekend that he feels he nonetheless has loads to supply the game.
“The best way my lively F1 driving profession ended for now, it wasn’t the easiest way that you could’t actually determine your self,” he stated.
“I really feel like nonetheless I’ve heaps to provide for the game and I nonetheless adore it. I like the racing towards the perfect drivers on this planet, in the perfect automobiles on this planet. That is what I like. So I am simply attempting to determine now what’s the subsequent transfer.
“I am taking it day-to-day. There’s some fascinating stuff on the desk after which we’ll see. You already know, life goes on. There’s plenty of thrilling issues forward. It is a tough sport.
“I feel I obtained right into a bit unfortunate state of affairs, when it comes to hanging on to the final seat on the grid. And when that does not occur, then clearly you are out for now.”
