As Mercedes seeks a successor for Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas emerges as a compelling candidate for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Bottas previously raced with Mercedes for five seasons from 2017 to 2021. During this period, he consistently finished in the top five of the championship, securing a top three spot four times. He also achieved 10 race victories and 58 podium finishes.
Despite his successes, Bottas was often perceived as playing second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton, with the team heavily prioritizing Hamilton’s championship pursuits.
Mercedes typically offered Bottas one-year contracts, never committing to a long-term deal, despite his interest in a more extended tenure.
Could Bottas make a return to Mercedes?
Currently in his third season with Sauber, Bottas’ contract is set to expire at the end of 2024. At 34, he has appreciated the stability of a multi-year deal and the reduced intensity compared to his time with Mercedes.
Bottas has expressed interest in rejoining Mercedes but emphasizes the need for a longer-term contract. As he told Sports Illustrated:
“I’d only [return to Mercedes] if it was a lot more than a one-year contract. If it was a one-year deal, then it wouldn’t make sense for me. But, for long-term, of course there could be a discussion.”
Bottas’ performance with Mercedes suggests he could have won a world championship if not for Hamilton’s dominance.
Given Mercedes’ current position, team principal Toto Wolff might be more flexible in contract negotiations with Bottas.
A Bottas-George Russell partnership could be fruitful. The two previously teamed up during the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, where Russell filled in for Hamilton.
As Mercedes aims to reclaim its status as the top team, this duo could be a strategic short-term solution.
If Mercedes doesn’t secure primary targets like Carlos Sainz Jr., Wolff might consider a two-year deal for Bottas. This would provide a transition period while waiting for junior driver Kimi Antonelli to be ready for the main team.
