Bottas returns to Mercedes after his exit from Sauber

Having departed from the Sauber outfit after the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas will return to his former workforce, Mercedes, becoming a member of the Brackley-based outfit to develop into its reserve driver.

Valtteri Bottas is returning to Brackley, Mercedes has introduced it oday, confirming that the Finn driver will develop into its reserve driver in 2025.

Bottas made his F1 debut with Williams on the 2014 Australian Grand Prix, partnering Pastor Maldonado. Throughout 4 seasons at Williams, Bottas completed on the rostrum 9 occasions.

The Finn was then signed for Mercedes in 2017, changing the retiring Nico Rosberg to companion Lewis Hamilton. He took his maiden pole place in Bahrain and his maiden win in Russia, ending third within the championship following additional wins in Austria and Abu Dhabi. After a winless 2018 marketing campaign, Bottas completed runner-up to Hamilton in each the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

The Nastola-born driver took his ultimate win for Mercedes on the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, leaving the Brackley-based squad on the finish of the 2021 season after contributing to 5 consecutive World Constructors’ Championships. He joined the Sauber-run Alfa Romeo in 2022, however the Hinwil-based outfit confirmed earlier this yr that the Finn will depart from Sauber on the finish of the present season.

Reflecting on the announcement, Mercedes workforce boss Toto Wolff mentioned: “Valtteri’s influence and contribution within the 5 years he was us beforehand as our race driver was immense.

“Together with scoring a number of Grands Prix wins, he performed a significant function in 5 of our championship victories. His technical suggestions and enter had been necessary in serving to us to these success and pushing the workforce ahead.”

Wolff continued: “Not solely that, however he was additionally a improbable colleague and workforce member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a agency favorite with everybody at Brackley and Brixworth.”

“In his function as Reserve Driver, all these qualities can be extremely necessary in serving to us compete for world championships and supporting each George and Kimi on monitor. Welcome residence, Valtteri! It is nice to have you ever again,” mentioned the Austrian.

F1GP Singaporeearlier