Valtteri Bottas Embraces New Role as Mercedes’ Test and Reserve Driver

In a surprising twist of fate, Finnish Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas found himself in the Mercedes pitbox during the 2025 Bahrain pre-season testing. But this wasn’t a new career move; instead, it was part of his role as ‘ test and reserve driver for the year.

The Evolution of Valtteri Bottas’s Career

Known for his laid-back style and infectious personality, Bottas has amassed a legion of fans in Australia. Today, he’s not just creating content for his nearly five million Instagram followers but also contributing significantly to Mercedes‘ success.

Bottas’s role extends beyond stockpiling ‘content.’ He participates in events, especially evening events that drivers typically avoid. Moreover, he remains involved in all engineering meetings and follows every session on the intercom and TV to stay updated and ready for any racing opportunities.

Adapting to a New Role

Bottas acknowledges the change from his previous role at Sauber to Mercedes as significant but smooth. He appreciates the quality of engineering and the abundance of talented people within the team. Despite being part of a larger team, he finds everything running smoothly due to the increased capacity and resources.

The Road Ahead for Valtteri Bottas

With Mercedes investing in George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as its current racing line-up, Bottas’s chances of returning to F1 racing action in 2026 are slim. However, the expanding 2026 grid presents an opportunity for experienced drivers like Bottas.

Cadillac‘s entry into the sport could be a perfect fit for Bottas, who has the ideal CV for blending rookie American or IndyCar driving talent with an experienced F1 hand. Ex-Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is also being considered by director Mario Andretti.

The Importance of Paddock Presence

Bottas emphasizes the importance of remaining active in the F1 paddock to increase chances of regaining a race drive. He believes that being around and speaking to people has its advantages, especially for drivers seeking a comeback.

Bottas’s Future Plans

When asked about his best chance to earn an F1 return, Bottas remains cautiously optimistic. He acknowledges the challenges but is open to interesting projects that could help him make a comeback.

Bottas has a good relationship with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who expressed his desire to see Bottas racing again. However, Bottas’s return will depend on the 2026 grid and potential opportunities that may arise.

The Role of Politics in F1

Bottas acknowledges the politics involved in Formula 1, emphasizing that even though he knows Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon well, decisions are made by a board and various stakeholders.

Bottas is taking a proactive approach to his comeback, staying engaged with the paddock and ready for any opportunities that may arise. He believes that his experience can help him navigate the challenging world of F1 politics and secure a race seat in 2026.