Mercedes has confirmed the return of Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, who will take on the role of reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. This marks a significant step in Bottas’ journey, following his departure from Sauber in 2024. The Brackley-based team is set to field a much younger lineup in 2025, with George Russell and the highly-promising 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli leading the charge as full-time drivers. However, rather than promoting another young talent into a reserve driver role, Mercedes has opted for experience with Bottas’ return, making him a key figure in the team’s efforts to continue competing at the highest level in Formula 1.
After a long partnership with Mercedes that lasted from 2017 to 2021, Bottas made his departure from the team at the end of the 2021 season when he was replaced by Russell. Bottas subsequently moved to Alfa Romeo (now Sauber), where he raced until 2024. Despite not being part of the team’s race lineup for the upcoming season, Bottas’ return to Mercedes has generated considerable excitement, especially given his deep connection to the team and its operations.
As Mercedes gears up for a fresh start in 2025, Bottas will play a pivotal role as a reserve driver. This position includes standing in for either Russell or Antonelli if either of them is unable to race during a weekend. Bottas’ extensive experience in Formula 1, including his history with Mercedes, makes him an ideal candidate to support the team in this capacity. Bottas has already made a number of appearances with Mercedes ahead of the new season, with fans and the motorsport community taking to social media to share images and videos of his first seat fitting in the 2025 car.
In a lighthearted moment, Bottas, known for his easygoing nature, shared his thoughts on the fitting, saying the cockpit “still fits,” with a playful wink toward the camera. This kind of humor has endeared Bottas to fans, and his seamless return to the Mercedes garage has been widely welcomed. His familiarity with the team’s operations and his connection to the Mercedes culture will undoubtedly contribute to his effectiveness in his new role.
While Bottas will be on standby as a potential replacement for either of the full-time drivers, his role will extend beyond merely being a backup in case of injury or absence. Bottas has also been tasked with helping to develop the team’s younger drivers, particularly the 18-year-old Antonelli, who is still new to Formula 1 and has limited experience at the top level. Bottas’ experience as a race winner and seasoned F1 driver will be invaluable as he takes on the responsibility of mentoring and coaching both Russell and Antonelli.
Bottas’ knowledge of the Mercedes team and its car will allow him to provide useful insights into the setup and performance of the car, particularly as the team looks to regain its competitiveness. Mercedes is coming off a season where it was able to claim four race victories in 2024, but the team’s performance was still not enough to challenge for the championship. Bottas’ experience, paired with his ability to work well with the team’s engineers and drivers, will help to fine-tune the car’s performance, especially during crucial simulator sessions. Bottas will participate in simulator work during 2025, which will be a critical part of the team’s development strategy as it aims to challenge for the title once again.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Mercedes will be hoping that Bottas’ return provides the stability and experience needed to mentor their young drivers and help the team push forward in its quest to reclaim the championship. Bottas’ presence in the garage is expected to have a positive impact, as he is well-regarded for his work ethic and professional attitude. Having spent several years at Mercedes, he understands the team’s dynamics and will be a valuable asset to Russell and Antonelli as they continue their F1 journeys.
Bottas, who was once a regular front-runner in his time with Mercedes, will be working alongside Russell, who is the current lead driver for the team. Russell’s role has grown considerably since joining Mercedes, and now, with the addition of Antonelli, the team is aiming to build a future that combines experience with youthful potential. Antonelli’s rise through the ranks has been meteoric, and Mercedes is looking to give him the platform he needs to develop into a top-tier driver. Bottas, with his steady hand and knowledge, will be an integral part of that process.
In conclusion, Mercedes has made a strategic decision to bring Bottas back into the fold for 2025, capitalizing on his experience, mentorship capabilities, and familiarity with the team. As the team works to rebuild and challenge for the championship, Bottas’ contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future success. With Bottas now serving as both a reserve driver and coach, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Mercedes, as they look to develop the next generation of drivers while aiming to return to the front of the grid in Formula 1.
