P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Bottas in private F1 test as rumours swirl over Cadillac partnership with Perez
Valtteri Bottas, currently serving as Mercedes’ test and reserve driver, is conducting private tests with Mercedes to prepare for F1 racing.
He has been linked with a potential move to Alpine to replace Franco Colapinto for the remainder of 2025 and is also a contender for a full-time seat with the new Cadillac team in 2026.
Bottas recently completed two days of testing with Mercedes in Jerez, driving their 2023 car and completing 113 laps on the first day.
Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that they would not stand in Bottas’ way if he received an offer from another team, such as Cadillac or Alpine.
Alpine and Cadillac are both interested in signing Bottas for 2026, with Cadillac potentially offering a multi-year contract to secure his signature.
As experienced support for their teams, Bottas joining Cadillac could set up a reunion of key players from the 2021 Hamilton-Verstappen championship battle.
