Bottas Rules Out Mercedes Return
Valtteri Bottas, a Finnish Formula 1 driver, has made it clear regarding rumors of a potential return to Mercedes for the 2025 season, stating categorically that he is not interested in filling a temporary role at the German team.In a recent interview with Mirror Sport, Bottas emphasized his search for stability and a long-term commitment with his next Formula 1 team. With his current contract with Sauber coming to an end this year, Bottas finds himself at the center of the driver market, eagerly awaiting Carlos Sainz’s decision to shape the negotiation landscape.
“I don’t think filling a position for just one year is what I want or need at this moment,” Bottas asserted decisively. “For next year, I’m looking for a multi-year contract with a clear plan for the future, where we can work together on continuous development.”The Finnish driver, who has amassed ten Grand Prix victories throughout his career, has spent the last three years at Sauber.
During his debut season with the team, Bottas led them to their best position in the constructors’ championship in a decade, but since then, the team has faced challenges in car development, reflecting in more modest race performances.”It’s important for me to find security and an environment where I can make significant contributions over several years,” explained Bottas, currently occupying the last position in the drivers’ championship without scoring points in the first twelve races of this season.While Bottas eagerly awaits a decision on his future in Formula 1, the driver market remains in flux, with teams like Alpine and Williams showing interest in his services.
However, Bottas made it clear that a potential reunion with Mercedes is not in his immediate plans, preferring to explore other opportunities that can offer stability and a long-term project.With negotiations underway and Sainz’s decisions potentially shaping the remainder of the driver market, Bottas’s future promises to be one of the most closely watched stories in this mid-season period of Formula 1.