Valtteri Bottas hints at a return to Mercedes and offers to mentor Kimi Antonelli. Valtteri Bottas is nearing his departure from Sauber but appears poised for a return to Mercedes.

With the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season approaching, Valtteri Bottas is set to leave the Swiss team to make way for Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg. While he still hopes to compete in Formula 1, his options are limited. However, a potential comeback to Mercedes looms, including a role as a mentor for the young talent, Kimi Antonelli.

In the Lusail paddock, the day’s big topic was Mick Schumacher’s departure from Mercedes in pursuit of new driving opportunities. When asked about the situation, Valtteri Bottas didn’t shy away from the possibility of rejoining the Brackley-based team as a third driver or development driver. In recent weeks, speculation about his return has gained traction, and Valtteri Bottas’ latest comments seem to confirm the rumors.

“We are in talks, and yes, things are going well,” Valtteri Bottas told the media, including *F1inGenerale.com*. “I’m sorry, but there’s still some work to do. But yes, we’re talking.” These words suggest that an official announcement of his return may be imminent, though the contract has not yet been finalized.

Valtteri Bottas’ potential role as a mentor
If Valtteri Bottas returns to Mercedes, he will find himself alongside the promising young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will be eager to soak up every bit of knowledge he can. For Bottas, this presents a valuable opportunity to share the wealth of experience he has accumulated over his years in Formula 1.

When asked by about this prospect, Valtteri Bottas embraced the idea.
“If I ended up there, I think I would have a lot to offer a rookie driver who hasn’t yet raced in Formula One. So yes, that would definitely be one of my roles: to contribute and try to share my knowledge as much as possible.”