Valtteri Bottas appears to be like set to remain in Components 1, with a reserve driver position at former group 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 group 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 12 months.
Bottas had hoped to hold onto his seat however was the final driver on the present grid to study 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 associate George Russell.
“Nothing is signed, nothing is completed but when we had been to have him again within the household, all of us we’d be all filled with pleasure,” Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff advised Viaplay forward of qualifying on the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
“I imply, what you’ll be able to say is that if in case you have the chance in having a pilot like Valtteri again within the Mercedes household, together with his means, together with his most up-to-date expertise of those trendy automobiles, you’ll be able to you deem your self tremendous fortunate.”
Requested how a lot he would stay 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
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
Bottas, 35, gained 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 12 months in a tough season for Sauber, and admitted earlier within the weekend that he feels he nonetheless has lots to supply the game.
“The best way my energetic F1 driving profession ended for now, it wasn’t one of the simplest ways that you would be able to’t actually determine your self,” he stated.
“I really feel like nonetheless I’ve heaps to offer for the game and I nonetheless adore it. I really like the racing in opposition to the very best drivers on this planet, in the very best automobiles on this planet. That is what I really like. So I am simply attempting to determine now what’s the subsequent transfer.
“I am taking it day-to-day. There’s some attention-grabbing stuff on the desk after which we’ll see. You already know, life goes on. There’s numerous thrilling issues forward. It is a tough sport.
“I believe I received right into a bit unfortunate scenario, 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.”
