Valtteri Bottas lost his F1 seat after the 2024 season when Sauber dropped the 35-year-old from their ranks. After being let go, the Finn rejoined the Mercedes family and signed as the team’s reserve driver.
Bottas is actively looking to return to the F1 grid next season and has been linked with a seat at either Alpine or the new team, Cadillac. Despite these rumours, many drivers are also reported to be in talks for these drives. But has Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff given away that his reserve driver could make a return?
Toto Wolff backs Valtteri Bottas for a 2026 race seat
Valtteri Bottas had a difficult 2024 season and was the only full-time driver not to score a point. However, the 10-time F1 race winner is in talks with teams to make a comeback to the sport. His current boss, Toto Wolff, believes that Bottas deserves a race seat and may have revealed this will happen for the 2026 season.
While speaking on the Mercedes mid-season review, Wolff said: “Obviously, with Valtteri, he deserves a race seat. Hopefully, that door is going to open. Watch this space!”
Bottas has admitted that he wants to return to the grid for a “very interesting project“. With that in mind, he has reported to have held discussions with Alpine and Cadillac. But is it realistic that Bottas will rejoin the grid for next season?
Will Valtteri Bottas join Alpine, Cadillac or no one?
Alpine has struggled this season and is currently one of the slowest teams on the grid. Jack Doohan lasted only six races into his debut season. Franco Colapinto was drafted in as a replacement, but has yet to show a turn of pace.
However, Alpine are set to ditch the underpowered Renault engine with the Mercedes power unit next year. Mercedes is predicted to have the best powertrain, meaning Alpine could push up the grid next term. This could interest Bottas, but it is a gamble to join a team currently so low in the standings.
Cadillac is the other option for Bottas, as they have yet to reveal their driver lineup for their opening season. Cadillac is a big unknown to the F1 world. They could come in and start strongly like Haas did in 2016. Or they could flop like the new teams did in 2010. However, the project might appeal more to Bottas.
Could Cadillac Be Sergio Perez’s Next Destination After Red Bull?
However, Cadillac have a decision to make. Reportedly, the American team is in talks with Bottas and Sergio Perez. It is unlikely they will sign two older drivers. To them, Perez might be the better option, as he has a history of developing cars in the midfield during his time at Force India/Racing Point and Sauber. Bottas is a good racer, but has never been a team leader or helped develop a car.
Both Alpine and Cadillac might reject Bottas due to his age. There is no doubt he is a good driver, but he will be a short-term solution for both teams. Alpine will be his most likely destination, but where do you think Bottas might end up, if on the grid at all? Let us know in the comments below.
