Valtteri Bottas may rejoin Mercedes F1, taking on a pivotal advisor role under Toto Wolff, moving beyond reserve driver duties.
Bottas could be more than just a reserve or “third driver” for Mercedes F1 starting in 2025.
Rumors suggest that the Finn, whose contract with Sauber has not been renewed by the team’s new Audi ownership, will remain in Formula 1 next year by returning to Mercedes, where he won 10 Grands Prix as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate until 2021.
However, former F1 driver Christian Fittipaldi now believes the 35-year-old’s role at Mercedes from 2025 will extend beyond mere reserve duties.
Citing his own sources, Fittipaldi — whose uncle is Emerson Fittipaldi — thinks Bottas could replace Jérôme d’Ambrosio, now Ferrari’s deputy team principal and a former key advisor to Toto Wolff.
“What I’ve been told is that it seems Valtteri will return to Mercedes and act as something of an advisor to Toto,” he said.
“Valtteri has experience and a history with them, and his return to Mercedes would make complete sense. Toto greatly values his expertise and believes in what he can contribute to the team.”
“Don’t forget that Jérôme d’Ambrosio is now at Ferrari, so there’s room for Bottas. I’m not entirely sure his role will be the same, but I think he’ll be there.”
One of Bottas’ recent social media posts shows him getting a tattoo on his thigh, captioned: “What’s next?”
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Bottas Set for Bigger Role at Mercedes Beyond Driving Bottas Set for Bigger Role at Mercedes Beyond Driving
