Valtteri Bottas Linked with Shock Alpine F1 Return A… read more
In a surprising twist to the Formula 1 driver market, former F1 race winner Valtteri Bottas has been linked with a potential return to the grid, this time with the struggling Alpine team. The Finnish driver, who lost his full-time seat at Sauber at the end of the 2024 season, has since returned to Mercedes in a reserve role. However, recent developments suggest that he may soon be back in active competition, with Alpine reportedly exploring the possibility of signing him in a bid to reverse their fortunes.
Bottas’ name has frequently surfaced in the paddock since his departure from Sauber, particularly in connection with Cadillac’s much-anticipated 2026 F1 entry. However, the latest speculation centers around a more immediate opportunity, as reports claim Alpine have opened discussions with Mercedes to assess Bottas’ availability. The approach is said to have come from Alpine’s new advisor, Flavio Briatore, who rejoined the Enstone-based team earlier this year with a mandate to shake things up and improve results.
Alpine have endured a torrid start to the 2025 season, languishing at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship standings. The team’s woes were further compounded at last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, where neither of their drivers — Pierre Gasly nor Franco Colapinto — were able to score any points. In fact, Alpine left Spielberg with yet another zero-point finish, casting serious doubt on the current driver lineup’s ability to lift the team from its slump.
Of particular concern for Alpine has been the performance of Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto. Despite being brought in mid-season to replace Jack Doohan, Colapinto has struggled to make an impact. Initially given a five-race window to prove himself, his lack of results — including back-to-back 13th-place finishes in Monaco and Canada — has done little to justify continued support. Interestingly, his promotion was marked by confusion and indecision within the Alpine camp, with Briatore reportedly reversing earlier decisions about his place in the team, leading to questions over the stability and direction of the project.
According to The Race, the talks between Alpine and Mercedes concerning Bottas are still in their early stages and are described as “preliminary.” Nonetheless, they reflect a growing appetite within Alpine to make another change in the driver lineup — even within the same season. Should the team choose to replace Colapinto, Bottas represents an experienced and reliable option who could immediately bring stability, feedback, and potentially better performances.
Bottas’ possible return to Alpine would mark a homecoming of sorts. The Finnish driver was a key part of Mercedes’ championship-winning campaigns between 2017 and 2021, playing a crucial support role to Lewis Hamilton. His vast experience — including ten Grand Prix victories and numerous podiums — would be an asset to any midfield team, especially one trying to claw its way out of the bottom of the standings.
While it remains unclear whether the move will materialize, Alpine’s current predicament could force their hand. The team has now become synonymous with managerial instability and performance inconsistency. Briatore’s return was seen by some as a last-ditch attempt to salvage the season, and a veteran driver like Bottas could be the kind of short-term fix the team desperately needs.
For Bottas, this opportunity could represent a valuable chance to re-establish himself as a full-time F1 driver and showcase that he still has the speed and determination to compete at the highest level. While the long-term Cadillac project remains an appealing prospect for the Finn, returning to the grid sooner could strengthen his case and keep him race-sharp heading into 2026.
In the coming weeks, much will depend on Colapinto’s performance and whether he can turn the tide. But if he continues to struggle, Alpine may feel they have little choice but to make another change — and Bottas could very well be the man to answer that call.
