P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas returned to the Mercedes F1 team this year in a reserve driver role, but is seeking a full-time return next year.
Mercedes has shown interest in maintaining a working relationship with Valtteri Bottas if he fails to secure a race seat for the upcoming year. Bottas rejoined Mercedes F1 this season, having partnered with Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021. Currently, he is engaged in a test and development role after leaving Stake squad last season. Bottas aims to return as a full-time driver next year and is seen as a top contender for one of the Cadillac drives. Despite being aware of Bottas’ standing in the driver market, Mercedes is open to extending their partnership if he doesn’t secure a 2026 race seat. According to Bradley Lord, chief communications officer at Mercedes, Bottas’s main goal is to find a race seat for 2026, and they are willing to explore ways to continue working together if that plan doesn’t materialize. They hope to have been a stepping stone for Bottas to reach his objective.
