Valtteri Bottas has confirmed he is in talks with Cadillac about a potential return to the Formula 1 grid as a driver in 2026, with a decision expected soon.
Valtteri Bottas, currently Mercedes’ third driver in F1, recently posted a video hinting at having secured a seat with Cadillac for the 2026 season. In a podcast by The Red Flags channel, it was former Haas Team Principal Gunther Steiner who directly asked the Finnish driver about his future.
Valtteri Bottas is one of several drivers linked to the new entry team. Another recurring name is Sergio Perez, who would also bring considerable experience to the project. There has also been speculation about pairing a veteran with a younger driver, such as Zhou or Drugovich. One of the two drivers is expected to be confirmed before the summer break.
Valtteri Bottas reveals the status of negotiations
Gunther Steiner asked Valtteri Bottas a very direct question regarding his potential future with Cadillac. He didn’t hold back, asking: “Will you be driving for Cadillac next season?” The Finnish driver gave a candid response, explaining the current state of negotiations.
“To be honest, I don’t know. Obviously, we’re talking, and they are also speaking with other drivers. For me, it would be very interesting, and time will tell,” Valtteri Bottas said. While nothing is official yet, the Finnish driver’s intention is clear: he wants to return to the grid in 2026. Toto Wolff has no intention of blocking this move and is leaving the decision up to his reserve driver.
Steiner added that if it were up to him, he would go for a clear and strategic choice: “I would pick two experienced drivers. That’s the most important thing for a new team. You need someone who can tell you if something is wrong, because drivers know when the car and the team aren’t working.” Bottas simply said he agrees with Gunther’s view.
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