P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes share crucial date in F1 summer shutdown update
Mercedes enlisted reserve driver Valtteri Bottas to discuss their summer shutdown plans and revealed their return date. F1 is currently on a break until the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on August 31. Teams must shut down for at least 14 days during this break to prevent a competitive advantage. Mercedes enters the break with uncertain futures for drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, while Bottas may be leaving the team. Bottas explained the importance of the shutdown in a humorous Instagram video and disclosed Mercedes’ return date as August 25. The Dutch GP weekend will commence on August 29, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s championship battle expected to captivate fans.
