Valtteri Bottas, the seasoned Finnish driver, has expressed that despite his current contract with Mercedes allowing him to participate in racing events outside of Formula 1, he finds himself too occupied to take advantage of that opportunity. At 35 years old, Bottas remains resolutely focused on making a comeback to the grid in the pinnacle of motorsport. Following his departure from Sauber at the end of the previous season, he stepped into the role of reserve driver at Mercedes, a team he previously drove for between 2017 and 2021. Now, he is a regular presence in the Mercedes garage, often seen alongside team principal Toto Wolff and mentoring the young talent Kimi Antonelli, who is just 18 years old.
In an interview with automoto.it, Bottas shared his insights on Antonelli, stating, “He still has a lot to learn.” He emphasized the importance of experience, especially when it comes to tracks where the young Italian has yet to race. Bottas aims to leverage his extensive knowledge to assist Antonelli in fine-tuning the car and improving his driving skills.
Even with a busy schedule that includes attending all 24 Grands Prix on the Formula 1 calendar as part of the Mercedes team, Bottas acknowledged that his contract does permit him to engage in racing commitments outside of F1. “The first step is to be here, with a great team,” he remarked. “I’m keeping an eye on everything happening in the F1 environment, especially as teams gear up for the 2026 season.”
While the door is open for participation in other racing categories, Bottas maintains a clear focus on his primary goal. “Formula 1 remains my top priority, but contractually, I could participate in some races in other series during the season. So far, I have been too busy for that, but I feel that my career as a driver is not yet over. If it weren’t for F1, I would be racing elsewhere.”
Bottas has been mentioned as a potential name for the Cadillac team in the upcoming 2026 season. He asserts that he still possesses the necessary skills to compete at a high level, even as he approaches his 40s. “Why not?” he responded when asked about the possibility of remaining in F1 until 2029. “I feel that I’m in great shape, both physically and mentally,” he added.
Outside of the racing world, Bottas has been dedicating time to another one of his passions: cycling. Following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he traveled to Australia, where he participated in a 100km gravel road race near Adelaide alongside his girlfriend, Tiffany Cromwell. This blend of interests showcases Bottas’s versatility and commitment to maintaining a balanced lifestyle, even amid the demanding world of Formula 1.
Bottas’s return to the F1 circuit as a mentor and reserve driver reflects his commitment to the sport and his desire to share his knowledge with the next generation of racers. His experiences in the competitive environment of Formula 1 serve as a valuable resource for young talents like Antonelli, who are just beginning their careers in motorsport. Bottas’s role in the Mercedes team is not only about supporting the team’s current drivers but also about nurturing future stars of the sport.
As he continues to engage with the world of Formula 1, Bottas’s presence in the paddock remains significant. His insights into the sport, gained from years of racing at the highest level, provide a unique perspective that can benefit both the team and its drivers. Bottas’s dedication to mentoring young drivers exemplifies the camaraderie and support that often exists within the motorsport community, where experienced racers help guide newcomers through the challenges of competition.
Looking ahead, Bottas’s ambitions remain firmly rooted in Formula 1. His determination to return to the grid reflects not only his passion for racing but also his belief in his ability to compete at an elite level. The landscape of F1 is ever-evolving, and with teams preparing for the future, Bottas is keenly aware of the changes on the horizon.
As he monitors the preparations for the 2026 season, Bottas is also focused on his own performance and readiness to seize any opportunities that may arise. The prospect of competing in Formula 1 for several more years excites him, and he remains committed to maintaining his physical and mental fitness to ensure he can meet the demands of the sport.
In addition to his racing commitments, Bottas’s involvement in cycling reflects a broader trend among athletes who seek to diversify their interests and maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of their primary sport. Cycling not only serves as a form of training for Bottas but also offers a welcome reprieve from the pressures of Formula 1, allowing him to recharge while still engaging in competitive activities.
Bottas’s journey in motorsport is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. As he navigates the challenges of being a reserve driver while also looking ahead to potential opportunities, he remains a figure to watch in the motorsport world. His story is one of ambition, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that have defined his career thus far.
For fans and followers of Formula 1, Bottas’s ongoing journey is a compelling narrative that underscores the complexities of a professional racing career. His commitment to the sport, coupled with his role in fostering new talent, ensures that he will continue to make an impact in the world of motorsport, both on and off the track. Whether through mentoring young drivers or preparing for the next chapter in his own racing career, Valtteri Bottas exemplifies the spirit of competition and dedication that defines Formula 1.
