P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas is without a seat for the 2025 F1 season – but does have a “solid option” up his sleeve.
Valtteri Bottas expressed gratitude towards Mercedes for offering him a lifeline in Formula 1 following the announcement that he won’t be on the 2025 grid due to Stake signing Gabriel Bortoleto. He is set to be without a race seat for the first time since his debut in 2013. Bottas has been in talks with Mercedes about a potential return as the third and reserve driver alongside George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Despite only remaining seats within the Red Bull eco-system, Bottas hinted that senior Red Bull personnel may not favor him, making the reserve bench at Mercedes his most realistic F1 option. Bottas views this opportunity as positive, is appreciative towards Toto Wolff for the chance, and acknowledges the potential for future prospects within the Mercedes family. However, uncertainties remain about the specifics of the arrangement, particularly regarding his presence at all 24 2025 grand prix events and the implications of not being present if a race-seat opportunity arises unexpectedly.
