P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine has spurned Valtteri Bottas before. But in the situation it finds itself in this F1 season, he’s probably exactly what it needs
If Alpine’s tentative idea of replacing Franco Colapinto with Valtteri Bottas during the 2025 Formula 1 season materializes and leads to improved results, some team members may question why Bottas wasn’t in the car earlier. Serious talks about a 2025 deal between Alpine and Bottas took place early last summer, when F1 teams were focused on Carlos Sainz, making Bottas a popular option. Despite initial interest, both sides eventually cooled off on the idea. Now, twelve months later, Bottas and Alpine find themselves in ideal situations that complement each other. While skeptics may doubt Bottas’ potential success at Alpine due to his age and recent performance, his track record and commitment suggest otherwise. Bottas’ experience with Mercedes power units could provide Alpine with valuable insights as they transition to a new engine partnership. In addition to his skills as a driver, Bottas’ presence would also push teammate Pierre Gasly to perform at his best.
