After weeks of speculation, Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes have started a second chapter together. Three years after their separation at the end of 2021, both parties have reunited, each having evolved and with medium- to long-term objectives yet to be fully defined. The Finnish driver returns to the Brackley team following a far-from-memorable stint at Sauber, culminating in 2024 with a failed technical project that must rebound before Audi’s arrival.
The German manufacturer had assured Valtteri Bottas a future with its entry into F1 in 2026, but changes in management disrupted those plans. Valtteri Bottas openly regretted choosing the Swiss team—still branded Alfa Romeo at the time—at the end of 2021 in an attempt to ease the disappointment of leaving Mercedes to make way for George Russell.
Much like Sergio Perez’s recent struggles with Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas couldn’t maintain his spot at Brackley, outclassed both on and off the track by Hamilton. However, he managed to win in his final season, notably in Istanbul. Now, a new chapter begins for Valtteri, with reduced responsibilities as a third driver but still a key role, even for the main drivers.
Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes, a homecoming
Mercedes has warmly welcomed Bottas back, with his stats backing the decision: he contributed to five constructors’ titles during his time there, playing a crucial role in the team’s dominance before the 2022 regulations disrupted the Silver Arrows’ on-track performance.
“Returning home to the Mercedes family as the third driver for 2025 is the next step, and I couldn’t be happier,” said Valtteri Bottas. “I want to thank Toto, the Brackley team, and everyone at the three-pointed star for welcoming me back. Despite the challenges of recent years, I know I still have a lot to give to F1. My goal has always been to succeed at the highest level of motorsport.”
“I’ve been fortunate to experience many incredible moments during my 12-year F1 career. Now, returning to the place where so many of those moments were achieved, I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned to help the team improve performance and progress toward our goal of fighting for world championships.”
Toto Wolff also commented: “Welcome back home, Valtteri! It’s fantastic to have you with us again. His impact and contributions during the five years he spent with us as a race driver were immense. Alongside winning multiple Grands Prix, he played a pivotal role in five of our world titles. His technical feedback and input were critical in achieving those successes and pushing the team toward new heights.”
“Beyond that, he was also an exceptional colleague and team member. His dry sense of humor and sociable nature made him a favorite among everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. In his reserve driver role, all these qualities will be essential to help us compete for world championships and support both George and Kimi on the track.”
Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas is the smartest choice
Bottas’ arrival doesn’t alter Mercedes’ internal hierarchy: George Russell is now firmly established as the team’s lead driver, taking on the role in 2024 after Hamilton’s announced departure. Though Russell effectively became the team leader last season, sharing the garage with a seven-time world champion limited his ability to assert dominance.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, however, will benefit from Bottas’ support. The young Italian talent enjoys Toto Wolff’s complete trust, and Wolff has carefully considered the timing of making him a race driver, bolstered by his close relationship with Antonelli’s family. Valtteri Bottas brings invaluable experience to a team that, despite personnel changes, has retained its technical and managerial backbone, including figures like Allison and Shovlin.
The notable departures of Andy Cowell and Mike Elliott—dismissed after years of struggles—do highlight some changes. Antonelli will inevitably face pressure, and the team must shield him during tough times. Bottas, a seasoned and ready driver, provides a valuable fallback option if Antonelli’s performances fall short. While Wolff won’t want to undermine him, as a manager of a team that has remained successful for a decade, all possibilities must be considered.
Having an experienced driver like Valtteri Bottas on the simulator can also aid Antonelli technically, offering insights into the team and this generation of cars, even though Bottas hasn’t driven a Silver Arrow under the current regulations. Bottas’ return is the most logical decision Toto could have made from every perspective.
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