Last Updated on October 25 2024, 10:16 pm
Bottas eyeing Mercedes return as F1 shake-up looms – Amid growing uncertainty over his future at Sauber, soon to become Audi, Finnish Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas has hinted at the possibility of a sensational return to Mercedes, the team he helped to numerous victories between 2017 and 2021.
With Sauber yet to confirm a contract extension, Bottas, now 35, has begun considering his options, including the prospect of joining Mercedes in a reserve role – a move that could potentially pave the way for Mick Schumacher’s return to the F1 grid.
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Bottas hints at Mercedes return amid Sauber uncertainty
Currently in limbo at Sauber, Bottas faces the very real possibility of not having a confirmed seat for the 2025 F1 season.
When asked about his prospects, Bottas confirmed that a return to Mercedes could be on the table.
“It’s certainly an option and I would consider it,” Bottas told *f1.com*, reflecting on his previous stint with the Silver Arrows, where he teamed up with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
During his time with Mercedes, Bottas helped the team to four Constructors’ Championships and two runners-up finishes in the Drivers’ Championship.
Bottas’ potential return to Mercedes would not only mark a significant reunion, but could also have an impact on the grid beyond his role.
With a reshuffle in the Sauber line-up a possibility, Mick Schumacher is emerging as a viable candidate for a Sauber seat. Currently a reserve driver for Mercedes, Schumacher has been on team principal Mattia Binotto’s radar as a potential recruit for 2025.
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“The first priority is F1: Bottas weighing up his options
Although Bottas remains open to a return to Mercedes, his primary goal is to secure a full-time role in Formula One.
“First of all, my priority is to stay as a driver [in F1],” he said, underlining his commitment to maintaining his role on the grid rather than settling for a reserve position.
However, with a contract yet to be signed, Bottas understands the need to explore other options, especially with Sauber in the midst of reshaping its 2025 line-up.
“It’s October and I haven’t signed anything yet, so I have to look at all the alternatives, including a return to the Mercedes family,” he added.
The decision ultimately rests with Sauber, where Bottas remains in frequent contact with Binotto. He’s reportedly in “almost daily contact” with the team principal as they continue to discuss contractual and other terms.
“We have agreed on pretty much everything as far as the terms are concerned,” Bottas noted. However, the final decision rests with Sauber, who must now decide whether to retain the experienced Finn or go in a new direction.
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Schumacher eyeing possible return to F1 grid
Bottas’ potential departure from Sauber would create a golden opportunity for Mick Schumacher, who has been closely linked with a Sauber seat for 2025. Since retiring as a full-time driver, Schumacher has remained active in F1 as a reserve for Mercedes, providing the team with valuable insight and experience.
Schumacher’s bid for a Sauber role has only gained momentum following the recent performances of Sauber drivers Bottas and Guanyu Zhou at the US Grand Prix, where both drivers came in for criticism.
After the Austin race, Germans RTL pundit Felix Görner suggested that Schumacher’s chances of securing a Sauber cockpit have improved.
“Mick Schumacher’s chances of getting the Sauber cockpit have actually increased,” Görner commented, noting that Binotto may now be leaning towards fielding two German drivers in 2025.
This shift could be in line with Sauber’s future as a factory team for Audi, who may prefer German representation in their line-up as they make their much-anticipated entry into the sport.### The current F1 grid: Bottas’ potential role at Mercedes
If Bottas were to return to Mercedes, it would likely be in a reserve role, as the team has already solidified its line-up for 2025. Following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Mercedes will field rookie Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell.
Bottas, an experienced F1 driver with 241 Grand Prix starts, would provide invaluable support as a reserve, especially given his familiarity with the team’s culture, car and race strategy. While a reserve role may seem like a step back, Bottas’ wealth of experience would ensure he remains an influential figure within the Mercedes garage.
For Bottas, returning to Mercedes in this capacity would also offer continuity and the chance to remain embedded in the sport while awaiting future opportunities to reclaim a place on the grid.
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Audi’s German vision: Schumacher-Hülkenberg duo in 2025?
Another possible twist in the Sauber line-up involves Nico Hülkenberg, who has been confirmed as a member of the future Audi works team for 2025. Audi, who are keen to establish a competitive presence in F1, sees Hülkenberg as a strong candidate to spearhead their entry into the sport. Known for his consistency and experience, Hülkenberg’s addition to the team could bolster Audi’s reputation as it prepares to debut under the Sauber name before fully transitioning to the Audi brand.
The possibility of Schumacher, another German driver, joining Hülkenberg at Sauber would create a unique Teutonic duo, marking a significant shift in Sauber’s line-up and underlining Audi’s German roots. Given Binotto’s reported interest in Schumacher, the younger driver’s experience and ambition could complement Hülkenberg’s consistency, creating a promising line-up for the brand’s F1 entry.
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Future outlook: A make-or-break season for Schumacher
For Schumacher, the Sauber seat would be a second chance to prove himself in F1. After a challenging stint with Haas, Schumacher’s experience with Mercedes has undoubtedly honed his skills and understanding of the technical intricacies of the sport.
If the Sauber opportunity materialises, Schumacher would be under considerable pressure to deliver results, especially as Audi works to make a successful entry into F1.
As the motorsport world awaits final announcements from Sauber and Mercedes, Bottas and Schumacher remain key players in any potential F1 grid reshuffle. Bottas’ potential return to Mercedes and Schumacher’s ambition to join Sauber highlight the ever-changing dynamics of F1, where opportunities can arise as quickly as they disappear. For now, all eyes remain on Sauber’s decision, with the team’s final decision likely to shape the futures of both drivers.
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Verstappen, who is no stranger to intense scrutiny, feels the British media have consistently portrayed him in a negative light, especially when he’s racing against fellow Briton Norris.
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