Valtteri Bottas is reportedly in talks for a new deal with his former employer, Mercedes. Sauber, the Finnish driver’s current team, announced on Wednesday that they would be parting ways with the driver in 2025. This suggests that Bottas’ fans may not have to miss him for too long.
Bottas drove for the German team Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, but had to make way for George Russell in 2022. The Finn then moved to the Sauber team, which had previously operated as Alfa Romeo for two years. Bottas and his teammate Zhou Guanyu will be replaced by Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto in 2025. With only Visa RB having a vacant spot for the next season, it appears that Bottas’ days as a regular driver are over.
‘Certainly an option’
However, various sources report that the Finn is not completely leaving the paddock. Mercedes is said to be interested in a new deal with their former driver. Allegedly, the driver and Mercedes have been in talks for several weeks. “It’s certainly an option,” is all the ten-time Grand Prix winner has said so far about a possible reunion.
Should Bottas indeed sign with Mercedes, it is rumored that it would be for a role as a reserve driver. The Finn would also be reunited with team boss Toto Wolff. The Austrian was the driver’s manager before Bottas joined Mercedes.
