Valtteri Bottas Returns To Mercedes As Third Driver For 2025 Season

Valtteri Bottas is set to rejoin Mercedes as their third driver for the 2025 season. After parting ways with Sauber at the conclusion of the 2024 season, the 35-year-old Finnish driver will support George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Bottas previously raced for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, securing 10 victories and achieving 20 pole positions during his tenure.

Bottas expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Mercedes, stating: "I couldn't be more pleased. Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I've still got so much more to contribute to F1. Since I was a five-year-old kid growing up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on achieving success in the top tier of motorsport. I've been fortunate to have enjoyed many incredible moments in my 12 years of racing in F1 so far. I'm looking forward to using all the knowledge I've gained to help the team to perform and progress towards our goal of fighting for world championships."

Bottas Joins Mercedes as Third Driver for 2025

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff highlighted Bottas' experience and mentoring abilities as key factors in their decision. Wolff remarked: "It's great to have [Bottas] back. His impact and contribution in the five years he was with us previously as our race driver was immense. Along with scoring multiple grand prix wins, he played a vital role in five of our championship victories. His technical feedback and input were important in helping us to those successes and pushing the team forward."

During his previous stint with Mercedes, Bottas contributed significantly to their success by providing valuable technical insights and feedback. These skills will be crucial as he takes on the role of reserve driver, supporting both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli on track.

Bottas' return is seen as a strategic move by Mercedes, aiming to leverage his extensive experience in Formula 1 racing. His presence is expected to bolster the team's efforts in competing for world championships while providing essential support to their primary drivers.

The Finnish driver's journey began at a young age with aspirations of excelling in motorsport's highest echelon. Over his 12-year career in Formula 1, Bottas has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that he now aims to utilise for Mercedes' benefit.