Bottas Weighs Mercedes Return Amid Sauber Uncertainty

Valtteri Bottas is considering a return to Mercedes as a reserve driver amid uncertainties about his future with Sauber, soon to be rebranded as Audi by 2026 under the guidance of team principal Mattia Binotto. Bottas, who achieved 10 Grand Prix wins with Mercedes between 2017-2021, is exploring all options as his current contract with Sauber remains unrenewed for 2025. Despite his preference to remain a race driver, Bottas recognizes the competitive nature of securing a position, with contenders like Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto also in the mix for Sauber's available seat. The Mercedes reserve driver role involves significant responsibilities, given their engine supply partnerships with teams like Williams and McLaren, and potentially Alpine by 2026. Bottas expressed optimism about Sauber's recent performance improvements but remains pragmatic about his career prospects, emphasizing a return to Mercedes as a viable alternative.