Apr.29 (GMM) Valtteri Bottas says his contract with Mercedes permits him to race outdoors of Components 1.
After shedding his Sauber seat on the finish of final 12 months, the 10-time grand prix winner returned to Mercedes – the place he was famously Lewis Hamilton’s teammate – as reserve driver.
He’s now being linked with the brand new Cadillac F1 staff for 2026.
“I hope to return to the grid,” he tells automoto.it. “I really feel like I haven’t completed my journey on this sport but. I nonetheless have a number of years forward of me.
“That’s the purpose. Find out how to obtain it’s the tough half.”
Bottas, 35, is now commonly pictured alongside his former boss and pal Toto Wolff within the Mercedes storage, and virtually as commonly praised for his position in mentoring Hamilton’s teenage alternative, Kimi Antonelli.
“He nonetheless has loads to study,” Bottas stated when requested concerning the 18-year-old Italian.
“There’s a lot to soak up, particularly on tracks he hasn’t raced on. I can put my expertise at his service for the setup. For driving. I attempt to assist him.”
Bottas’ association with Mercedes means he has to attend all 24 grands prix, however he reveals that the contract additionally provides him some freedom.
“Step one is to be right here, with an awesome staff,” he stated on his quest to return to F1. “I maintain myself up to date on what’s occurring within the setting, with the groups making ready for 2026.
“F1 stays my precedence,” Bottas added, “however contractually I may participate in some races throughout the season. For now I’ve been too busy to do this, however I really feel like my profession as a driver isn’t over but.
“If it weren’t for F1, I might race elsewhere.”
After Jeddah, Bottas travelled to Australia to reunite along with his girlfriend Tiffany, and the pair of them each raced within the 100km gravel biking world championship occasion close to Adelaide.
Along with his love of biking that has developed into a real ardour and ability in recent times, Bottas thinks that though in his mid-30s, he nonetheless has what it takes to race on the prime stage in Components 1 as soon as once more.
“Why not?” stated the Finn when requested if he’ll nonetheless be match sufficient for F1 even when he turns 40 in 2029. “I really feel like I’m in prime type each bodily and mentally.”
