Valtteri Bottas hints at crazy return to former team after departure from Sauber in 2025

Of Sauber confirmation of F2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto for 2025 and beyond, current Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas could potentially explore a reserve driver role at Mercedes for the next Formula 1 season.

Bottas also joined the battle for the 2025 seat, marking his last chance to secure a full-time racing role. But with Audi looking to take over Sauber in 2026, Sauber CEO and CTO Mattia Binotto ultimately opted for Bortoleto’s new potential over Bottas’ extensive F1 experience. This decision is in line with the team’s strategy to pair young talent with seasoned driver Nico Hulkenberg, who will join from Haas next year.

Binotto stressed that the Finn was a “key candidate” in the selection process but that he did not meet the “final conditions” for a contract extension. He told the media:

“When considering our drivers for the coming seasons, Valtteri was without a doubt a leading candidate. With his fighting spirit he regularly pushed the car beyond its performance limits.

“However, a decision had to be made. After open and constructive discussions, we jointly came to the conclusion that the final conditions could not be met, so we agreed that it is time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil.”

Bottas, who made his Formula 1 debut more than a decade ago with Williams in 2013, revealed that the situation he has found himself in is not an easy one. He added:

“A situation like this is not easy for anyone.

“But after all the good and in-depth conversations we have had in recent weeks, we realized that the conditions were not met for this project to grow together.

“The last few years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges and unforgettable moments. I am grateful for the shared experiences and the trust and support I have felt every step of the way.

“While it is time to move on, I will always carry a piece of this team with me and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for both of us.”

With no other full-time option available at either team, Bottas was able to return to the Brackley team, a team he spent five years with before moving to Sauber (then Alfa Romeo) in 2022. As he hinted in a recent interview when his talks with Binotto were ongoing, as Bottas had done declared:

“I have to look at all alternatives, including going back to the Mercedes family.”

With Sauber yet to score any points this season due to limited upgrades during its transformation into the Audi Works team in less than 18 months, Bottas offers a stronger record with 10 Grand Prix wins from his time at Mercedes, providing a valuable advantage for its prospects. .