Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has hinted that Valtteri Bottas could be set for a full-time return to Formula 1, amid ongoing speculation regarding a move to Cadillac.
The Finnish veteran has been without a race seat in 2025, after losing his drive with Sauber at the end of last year.
Bottas returned to the German marque as its reserve driver, having spent five seasons alongside Lewis Hamilton between 2017 and 2022.
Ongoing speculation has pointed towards a move to Cadillac, as the American marque shapes up for its debut campaign next year.
A recent social media post exacerbated those rumours, in which he jokingly approached a Cadillac SUV, proclaiming it to be a “nice seat” when touching the interior.
Back in June, it was reported that Bottas was top of its wishlist of drivers, with Motorsport Week revealing that he was seen in deep conversation with Team Principal Graeme Lowdon.
Additional rumours have since suggested Bottas may be set for a switch to Alpine instead, with the Enstone-based squad becoming a Mercedes powertrain customer from next year.
Bottas also touted his availability to teams in June, speaking of his desire to be racing again on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast.
But regardless of destination, it seems that the 10-time Grand Prix winner is close to finding himself back on the grid once again.
In a Mercedes debrief video, Wolff seemed to drop the biggest hint yet that Bottas is close to making a return, something he appeared to give his full blessing.
“Obviously, Valtteri has been part of the Mercedes family for a long, long time,” he said.
“He is a driver where, if some of our drivers had fish poisoning, you put him in the car and he’s going to be absolutely on pace.
“That’s great to know, that your reserve and third driver is as quick as it gets.
“Obviously, with Valtteri, he deserves a race seat.
“Hopefully, that door is going to open. Watch this space.”
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