P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas has been tight-lipped on a possible return to Mercedes next year but insists his “priority” is remaining with
Valtteri Bottas drove for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, alongside Lewis Hamilton, helping the team secure eight consecutive titles. However, Mercedes has struggled since the introduction of ground effect cars in 2022, leading to Hamilton’s decision to switch to Ferrari next season. Bottas expressed surprise at the news but understands the appeal of the challenge to revive Ferrari’s fortunes. He believes it will create movement in the sport and is happy for Hamilton. While there is speculation that Bottas could return to Mercedes as a short-term solution, his main commitment is to the Audi project in 2026.
