Valtteri Bottas confirms talks with Red Bull and Alpine, keeping hopes alive for a full-time Formula 1 comeback in 2026.
Valtteri Bottas has reiterated his availability to Red Bull Racing for next season.
The Finnish driver had already offered his services to the Austrian team, but he is aware that his chances appear to be hindered by at least one person who “doesn’t admire me much.”
Bottas is clearly referring to Christian Horner or Dr. Helmut Marko, the only two decision-makers when it comes to race seats.
While he will spend the 2025 season at Mercedes F1 as a reserve driver after losing his seat at Sauber, he still hopes to extend his F1 career and today confirmed on Formula 1’s official podcast that his management has held talks with several teams, including Red Bull and Alpine F1 (as well as Cadillac).
“I was quickly ruled out because I think there are certain people, or one person, within the Red Bull organisation who, for one reason or another, doesn’t admire me much.”
“I don’t know if they are looking outside their academy for 2026. They have so many drivers, and they also have their junior team.”
“It’s difficult, because the car doesn’t seem easy to drive. Obviously, Max is getting the job done. He’s really pushing beyond the limits of the car. And those who have been alongside him haven’t looked great.”
“But I don’t know. I just wonder if this car, to be fast, needs an experienced driver. That’s my guess, but they know I want to race. They know I’m available next year. But I don’t know what they think about it.”
An alternative could be Alpine, now a Mercedes customer team, currently in an uncertain situation regarding drivers.
According to Bottas, Alpine has indeed had “some discussions” with his management.
“They have a Mercedes power unit for the future, which I think is a good decision. They’ve already made a change for the second driver this year and I think the next few races will show how that goes.”
“Experience is always useful, but politics is everywhere in this sport. I don’t have tens of millions to buy myself a seat, for example.”
“It depends on the team, but I have personal sponsors who could potentially follow me, though not as many as others.”
“Let’s see how things evolve. You never know if something opens up.”
If an F1 seat is not possible, Bottas stated that “everything is wide open” and reiterated his interest in IndyCar, after considering the idea late last year when he received an offer for 2025.
“Ovals, I’ve never tried them, but I’m not worried. If it’s not Formula 1 for me next year, I absolutely need to find a plan B, and IndyCar is definitely an option.”
“And if that were the case, I would commit for several years, because I know it won’t be easy.”
“It’s a different category, different cars, different tracks. But let’s not talk too much about that for now, let’s try to stay in F1.”
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