P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas has made himself available to Red Bull should they want to replace Yuki Tsunoda
Valtteri Bottas is open to a move to Red Bull should they need another second driver to put alongside Max Verstappen. Bottas is currently Mercedes’ test and reserve driver after not securing a full-time seat on the 2025 F1 grid. Despite his hopes of continuing with the Audi project, he was not chosen, with Sauber signing Gabriel Bortoleto instead. Bottas remains optimistic about returning to the grid in 2026 and has positioned himself as a potential candidate for Red Bull. The Finnish driver spent five successful years alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, and now, at 35 years old, is interested in the opportunity with Red Bull, although he mentioned that not everyone within the team might be supportive of him. In addition to Red Bull, Alpine is another team that may require a second driver, and Bottas has expressed interest in their potential as well. Bottas emphasizes the importance of experience in driving a fast car and acknowledges the complexities and politics involved in securing a competitive seat in Formula 1.
