P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Has Valtteri Bottas hinted that he will be back on the F1 grid in 2026?
Valtteri Bottas hinted at a potential return to F1 through a social media post, expressing interest in a comeback in 2026, after losing his full-time seat with Sauber for the upcoming season.
Although Bottas was hopeful to continue with Sauber, the team chose F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto instead, leaving Bottas looking for opportunities elsewhere.
Mercedes’ third and test driver seems to be eyeing a seat with the new team Cadillac, which will join F1 as the 11th team in the following year.
In a video shared by Bottas featuring a Cadillac road car, he alluded to a return to the grid but did not confirm his decision yet.
His potential comeback would require serving a grid penalty due to a previous collision with Kevin Magnussen in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which could see him starting no higher than sixth in 2026.
