For Valtteri Bottas, the journey in Formula 1 is not yet over, but the Finn has to leave the path as a regular driver after twelve years. The hoped-for contract extension with the Sauber team, which will compete under the Audi works banner from 2026, did not come true for him, so he will move into the second row at Mercedes.
Things went a little “unfortunately” for him, as he told “Motorsport Monday” magazine. “It just dragged on and I was in a situation where this was the only option, but that didn’t work out,” said Bottas, who was heavily criticized by Sauber after the season finale in Abu Dhabi and called the change a “mistake.” designated.
“I know this sport isn’t fair,” he adds. “At the end of the day, it’s a big business and there are a lot of factors that go into driver decisions.” He could therefore understand the decision against him. “It doesn’t make me angry or anything. It can happen. In the end I was just in an unfortunate situation for my career.”
Bottas back at Mercedes
The role as Mercedes replacement driver is initially a safety net and keeps the 35-year-old in Formula 1. Esteban Ocon managed to get back into a regular cockpit, but there is no guarantee because Mick Schumacher waited in this position for two years in vain for his chance.
But Bottas doesn’t want to wait that long for his return: “If you’re away from the grid for more than a year, then it starts to hurt and it becomes increasingly difficult to come back,” he knows.
But being a reserve driver for Mercedes, which equips many teams in the field, could perhaps still offer him an opportunity: “You never know what will happen in this sport,” said Bottas, “and then there will be 2026. I’m prepared “To stay in this game and find a way back.”
But: “It has to have a meaning,” he emphasizes regarding a future in Formula 1. “Any one-year contract somewhere doesn’t do me any good at this point in my career,” he says. “There has to be a clear plan, and if there isn’t one for 2026, then I definitely have to look elsewhere.”