Mercedes is poised to capitalize on an experienced Formula 1 driver losing their race seat.
Valtteri Bottas has been removed from his Sauber drive for the upcoming season with no other options to continue his racing career.
There is a possibility of him reuniting with former team Mercedes in a reserve driver capacity.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told Viaplay in Las Vegas, “Nothing is signed, nothing is done. But if we were to have him back in the family, we would be overjoyed.
What can be said is that having a talent like Valtteri back in the Mercedes fold, with his skills and recent experience with modern cars, would be extremely fortunate.”
Wolff acknowledged the chances of finalizing a contract to bring Bottas back, stating, “It’s just a matter of time.”
Bottas and Sauber teammate Guanyu Zhou have failed to score any points this season, struggling with the weakest car in Formula 1.
At the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Zhou finished 13th while Bottas finished 18th.
Sauber will transition into Audi in 2026 and will have a new driver lineup next season, signing Nico Hulkenberg from Haas and Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto from McLaren.
With nowhere else to go, Bottas could find a lifeline in Mercedes, where he previously enjoyed success winning 10 Grand Prix races.
Similarly to how Mercedes took on Mick Schumacher as a reserve driver after losing his F1 seat, Bottas may return to a revamped Mercedes in 2025 with Lewis Hamilton departing for Ferrari, leaving George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes’ drivers.
