F1: Mercedes Appoints Bottas as Reserve Driver for the 2025 Season

London, Dec 19 (NationPress) Mercedes AMG Petronas has officially named Valtteri Bottas as a reserve driver for the 2025 season, after the Finnish racer parted ways with Kick Sauber following the conclusion of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Mercedes AMG Petronas stated, “Valtteri Bottas heads home, back to the three-pointed star as Third Driver for 2025.”

Bottas had a five-season stint with Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021, achieving all 10 of his career victories with the Silver Arrows, along with 20 pole positions in Formula 1.

He transitioned to Sauber, previously known as Alfa Romeo, for the 2022 season after Mercedes chose to elevate George Russell in his place. Bottas experienced varying levels of success with the Swiss team, finishing a commendable 10th in 2022 but struggling to score points in 2024.

When Kick Sauber decided against renewing Bottas for 2025, opting instead for a driver lineup featuring Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto, Bottas initiated discussions with Mercedes regarding a reserve role, aiming to maintain his presence as he seeks a racing return in 2026. His responsibilities as a reserve driver will include attending most, if not all, Grands Prix and providing support to regular race drivers Russell and debutant Kimi Antonelli.

“Returning home to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased,” Bottas expressed.

“I want to thank Toto (Wolff, Mercedes team principal), the team at Brackley, and everyone at the three-pointed star for welcoming me back with open arms. Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I’ve still got so much more to contribute to F1. Since I was a five-year-old kid growing up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on achieving success in the top tier of motorsport.”

“I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed many incredible moments in my 12 years of racing in F1 so far. As I return to the place where so many of those moments were achieved, I’m looking forward to using all the knowledge I’ve gained to help the team to perform and progress towards our goal of fighting for world championships.”

Wolff remarked, “Welcome home, Valtteri! It’s great to have you back. His impact and contribution during the five years he was with us previously as our race driver was immense.”

“Along with scoring multiple Grand Prix wins, he played a vital role in five of our championship victories. His technical feedback and input were crucial in propelling us to those successes and advancing the team forward. Not only that, but he was also a fantastic colleague and team member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a firm favourite with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.”

“In his role as Reserve Driver, all those qualities will be incredibly important in helping us compete for world championships and supporting both George and Kimi on track.”