P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas is spending the 2025 F1 season on the sidelines and has been linked to Cadillac for next year – but could he end up somewhere else?
Valtteri Bottas believes Red Bull understands his desire to continue racing in Formula 1 next season and suggests they may need an experienced driver alongside Max Verstappen. As the Mercedes test and reserve driver in his first year without a full-time F1 seat, Bottas is unsure of Red Bull’s stance on his potential availability. The Red Bull team has had difficulties filling the second driver seat, with neither Lawson nor Tsunoda proving a long-term solution, and Perez was replaced at the end of last season due to a decline in performance. Recognizing the need for experience to support Verstappen’s championship ambitions, Bottas emphasizes the importance of a seasoned driver for the RB21 to be driven competitively. Despite his interest in racing next year, Bottas remains unsure of Red Bull’s position on his potential return.
