P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas drops Alpine hint as he remains open to “short-term”
Valtteri Bottas is open to a short-term F1 return, amid rumors of a possible mid-season comeback with Alpine. He has been off the F1 grid since the end of 2024 when Sauber dropped him in favor of Gabriel Bortoleto. Despite not racing, Bottas has stayed involved in F1 as a test and reserve driver for Mercedes. There’s speculation that he might join Cadillac next season as one of the favorites, although Sergio Perez is also in contention. Bottas could potentially make a return to the grid this year, with pressure mounting on Franco Colapinto due to recent struggles. Talks have been held between Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore and Mercedes regarding Bottas’ availability. Ralf Schumacher predicts Bottas will indeed join Cadillac next year, adding experience to the team alongside a yet-to-be-determined second driver, possibly Perez. Mick Schumacher and Felipe Drugovich are also potential candidates for the second seat at Cadillac.
