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Bottas Eyes Audi Future Open to Mercedes Return

Bottas Open to Mercedes Return Amid Audi F1 Focus

06/02/2024

Valtteri Bottas, amidst Audi F1 focus, hints at openness for a Mercedes comeback, signaling a strategic balance in his career moves.

Bottas prioritizes Audi F1 but doesn’t rule out a return to Mercedes. Could Wolff bring him back to replace Hamilton?

Stake F1 driver, Valtteri Bottas, has not closed the door on a Mercedes comeback, yet stressed his “priority” is aiding his current team’s transition to the Audi factory team.

Sauber has been renamed Stake F1 for the upcoming season ahead of Audi’s entry from 2026, following the end of its partnership with Alfa Romeo.

The launch of the C44 came days after the announcement that Lewis Hamilton would move from Mercedes to Ferrari next season, the seven-time World Champion ending a long-standing association with the German brand.

Bottas, who spent five seasons alongside the Brit before being replaced by George Russell, could be a natural choice for a return. He was even spotted near Brackley, where the Mercedes F1 factory is located.

Bottas Balances Audi Commitment, Mercedes Option

“Firstly, I never imagined this happening but I’m happy for Lewis because it’s good for him.”

“I think Ferrari is a big challenge, I’m sure it’s a great motivation for him to bring Ferrari to the top, so that’s pretty cool.”

“This will definitely create movement for the future, which is good for the sport as a whole and for the drivers.”

“As for me, it’s no lie, I was in Brackley the day before, not at the Mercedes factory, but I was there for something else.”

“And no, Toto and I haven’t spoken on the phone yet. But if I could go back… Yeah… obviously my priority and my biggest commitment is to the Audi project, which is my goal, but if that doesn’t happen, there’s no team I wouldn’t go to, let’s put it that way.”

“But I know my priorities.”

When asked if there’s a chance Wolff would call him for that, he answered: “there was no painful breakup between us.”

Bottas Eyes Audi Future, Open to Mercedes Return. Bottas Eyes Audi Future, Open to Mercedes Return

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