Exclusive: Valtteri Bottas casts verdict on recent Mercedes F1 struggles

Valtteri Bottas has admitted the downturn Mercedes has endured in Formula 1 in between his two spells with the team is a development that he “didn’t quite expect” to happen.

Bottas has returned to Mercedes as a third driver, having been ushered onto the sidelines as he missed out on retaining the Sauber drive that he had held since 2022.

The Finn’s three-season stint with the Hinwil-based squad succeeded a much more prosperous period with Mercedes alongside seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

Bottas, signed to replace the outgoing F1 champion Nico Rosberg in 2017, contributed 10 victories as Mercedes remained unbeaten until his departure at the end of 2021, culminating in an unprecedented run of eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.

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However, Bottas leaving coincided with an overhaul to the regulations in 2022 which brought a shuddering halt to the German marque’s dominance as it hasn’t been in contention to win a single title since then.

Mercedes’ troubles continued in 2024 with an inconsistent W15 car which caused the squad to record its lowest placing in the standings since 2012 as it ended up fourth.

Asked whether the struggles Mercedes have encountered with F1’s latest ground effect machines had surprised him, Bottas told Motorsport Week in an exclusive interview: “Yeah, I think like everyone, didn’t quite maybe expect the struggles they’ve had since. But yeah, this sport goes in cycles.”

Bottas backs Mercedes to rebound

But despite dropping two places compared to 2023, Mercedes did show sporadic promise last term as a mid-season purple patch inspired three victories in four rounds.

Along with George Russell converting pole position in Las Vegas in November, Bottas believes such showings indicated that Mercedes is back on the right track heading into the final season under the current rules.

“Now I feel like there’s hints that they’re kind of coming back. Sometimes having some great performances, still quite track dependent,” he added. “But yeah, I know how hungry Toto is to get back to winning. So I think eventually they will get there.”

Mercedes connections could create opportunities

Although he was overlooked to help spearhead Sauber’s transition into the works Audi team, Bottas has insisted he has a desire to resume his F1 career elsewhere.

The ex-Williams driver has been linked with a role at Cadillac, the General Motors brand which has an agreement in principle to enter F1 in 2026, but his revived connection with Mercedes could also open up opportunities.

Along with current customers McLaren and Williams, Alpine has struck an agreement to use the three-pointed star’s power unit and gearbox once the regulations reset in 2026.

When that was mentioned to him, Bottas replied: “Of course I need to try and think what’s best for me and it’s a valid point. 

“There’s many Mercedes-powered cars on the grid which can suddenly bring opportunities. And in this sport you just never know what happens in any case. Also there’s ‘26 where things can happen. I think I’m still prepared to stay in the game, let’s say, and try and find a way to be back.”

Bottas hints at Mercedes track time in 2025

Bottas divulged that there had been “some contacts” with various options until he penned a deal with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, whom he is on “good terms” with.

He has hinted that his second spell with the Silver Arrows will comprise track time in F1 machinery as he endeavours to remain up to speed should he secure a full-time return.

“If I were next to stay within Formula 1, I would want to make sure that that option would give me some driving,” he stated prior to the news he would be with Mercedes.

“Whether it’s testing and stuff like that.”

READ MORE – Valtteri Bottas ‘relieved’ Sauber F1 stint is done amid broken Audi promises