P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes F1 boss Wolff drops hint over 2026 driver comeback
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff hinted that Valtteri Bottas may return to full-time racing in 2026 after being a reserve driver since his departure from Sauber in 2024.
Bottas previously raced for Mercedes from 2017-2021, winning 10 races and contributing to the team’s five consecutive constructors’ world championships.
Despite a lackluster performance at Alfa Romeo (previously Sauber), teams like Alpine and Cadillac are reportedly interested in signing Bottas for the 2026 season.
Wolff acknowledged Bottas’ talent and expressed readiness to support his return to a race seat, even if it means leaving the Mercedes reserve driver role.
With Bottas exploring potential opportunities beyond Alpine and Cadillac, Red Bull could be another contender for his services amid speculation about their driver lineup instability for 2026.
