P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas has explained specifically what his role as Mercedes “third driver” will entail of the F1 season ahead.
Valtteri Bottas has shared more details about his supportive role at Mercedes in the 2025 F1 season, marking his first season off the grid since his debut in 2013. After losing his race seat at Stake, Bottas made a return to Mercedes, where he feels like “home,” despite the preference for Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at Audi. Bottas emphasized his commitment to assisting rookie Kimi Antonelli throughout his debut season, vowing to be an “extra set of eyes” for the young Italian driver. As the team’s third driver, Bottas will be present at every Grand Prix, offering support and contributing to car development in the simulator at the factory. Additionally, Bottas clarified the distinction between his role as the third driver and Frederik Vesti’s role as a reserve driver, with both drivers eager to contribute to Mercedes’ success in the upcoming season. The anticipation for the 2025 F1 season is high, with drivers and teams gearing up for a competitive year ahead.
