Valtteri Bottas tipped for shock Mercedes return: “They want a driver for one year”
Former 1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has suggested that Valtteri Bottas could make an unexpected return to Mercedes on a one-year deal in 2025. Mercedes is still undecided about who George Russell will make his partner after Lewis Hamilton’s surprise move to Ferrari.Among the possible candidates, young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli is considered the main favourite, while Toto Wolff still hopes to convince Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull.
Carlos Sainz has also been mentioned, but the current Ferrari driver is unlikely to accept a one-year contract.Valtteri Bottas, who spent five years at Mercedes before joining Sauber (currently Alfa Romeo) in 2022, is now an option being considered by the team. During his time at Mercedes, Bottas contributed significantly to the team’s success.
He led Sauber to its best championship result in 2022, finishing in sixth place, but since then the team has experienced development problems, leading to a decline in the standings.Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Villeneuve said Bottas was likely to return to Mercedes to allow Antonelli to make his debut for a smaller team. According to Villeneuve, “Williams [to Sainz]. Nobody really wants to go there. Those without a seat will take it. I think Bottas will go to Mercedes.
They want a driver for one year. So who do they take? They get a manager who will accept a one-year contract, knows the team, has experience, and prepares the place for Antonelli.”Karun Chandhok, who also comments on the 2025 manager market, mentioned: “I think Ollie Bearman will be at Haas. The team evaluates him very highly. Second place is up for grabs, but Ocon is on the market. I’m sure Bottas and Zhou are knocking on the door. I’m interested in Jacques’ theory—I haven’t heard it yet—and Bottas’s.
Maybe you know something we don’t.”Villeneuve concluded that his theory was based on a sensation rather than concrete information.
However, if this prediction comes true, Bottas will bring back his vast experience and knowledge of the Mercedes team, playing a crucial role in Antonelli’s transition to Formula 1.
Bottas’ return to Mercedes would represent a strategic move, providing stability to the team while preparing the young talent for the future. Bottas’ experience, combined with his inside knowledge of Mercedes, could be instrumental in keeping the team competitive and successful during this transition phase.As the 2024 season progresses, speculation about the 2025 manager market continues to grow, with fans and pundits closely watching every move and decision that will shape next year’s roster.
