P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas’ chances of returning to a full-time F1 seat next season have been bolstered, as another suitor has entered the race to secure his signature.
Valtteri Bottas is being considered as a potential solution for Alpine’s second driver position, a problem that has been affecting Team Enstone since before the current F1 season began. Alpine’s executive adviser, Flavio Briatore, who effectively leads the team, has reached out to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff to discuss Bottas’ potential availability for 2026. Bottas is set to become a free agent at the end of the current season, as he does not have a reserve deal in place with Mercedes for next year. Having previously raced for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 and achieving 10 Grand Prix victories, Bottas faced a change with George Russell taking his seat for 2022. Despite subsequent stints with Alfa Romeo/Stake and a return to Mercedes in a test and reserve role, Bottas is being eyed as a contender for Alpine. Alpine initially paired Jack Doohan with Pierre Gasly but replaced Doohan with Franco Colapinto after six races, with the latter signed on loan from Williams by Briatore. While both Doohan and Colapinto have yet to score points this season, leading to Alpine being at the bottom of the constructors’ standings, Colapinto is expected to have more time to showcase his potential, despite Briatore exerting pressure on him during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.
