Bottas Open to Indy 500, But 2025 Plans Come First

Valtteri Bottas has received an offer to race in the Indy 500 but remains focused on finalizing his 2025 plans before deciding.

Bottas revealed that he had received an offer to participate in the 2025 Indianapolis 500 but needs to settle his future before committing.

The Finn has no seat for 2025 and is in talks to return to Mercedes F1 as a reserve for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with current reserve Mick Schumacher set to leave and focus full-time on Alpine’s WEC program.

Bottas is considering whether this role would require him to be present for all 24 Grands Prix, which would limit his options for testing or racing with other cars, such as the IndyCar event.

“I’ve received a solid offer for 2025, but only for the Indy 500,” he confirmed today in Qatar.

“We didn’t really discuss details, but I need to first determine what my ‘day-to-day’ job will be for 2025.”

“Ovals don’t bother me, I’ve never tried them, but I’m open to it. It depends if I’ll be at every Grand Prix or not, and of course, options are fewer, but the Indy 500 has always been on my list.”

“I’m a fan of V8 supercars and that kind of thing, so I’m quite open, but I need to decide what my next step will be, and then we’ll see.”

“It’s a conscious decision because it’s coming up a bit too quickly. Starting a full IndyCar season after 12 years in F1, I just feel like it’s happening too fast. There’s a lot of work and learning to do, so I need some time to figure out what comes next.”

Bottas is, of course, keeping an eye on the arrival of Cadillac F1.

“Yes, we’ve talked, I think I’m not the only one, but of course, it’s interesting for me and I think it’s great for F1. It’s a fantastic brand, GM is a great supporter, so it’s definitely an interesting project.”

“I think this only increases the chances of getting a seat for 2026, which is ultimately the goal. But, if that doesn’t happen, there are plenty of other interesting things in other series.”

“In 2026, I still have a chance to drive a good car. My priority remains Formula 1. If it’s not Formula 1 in 2026, then it’s really interesting for me to consider IndyCar or something else for the future.”

“For example, I haven’t been allowed to do rallying these past two years. It would be nice to get back into it a bit and have some fun.”

And how are his discussions with Mercedes progressing?

“We’re talking and it’s going well. There’s still some work to do, but we’re talking. My priority remains Formula 1, I feel like I’m not done with this sport yet. So, I think being there, being able to do testing, etc., is good. And I think it gives me a shot for 2026, because in this sport, you never know what’s going to happen.”

“There’s also a new team (Cadillac) coming, which means two more seats, obviously increasing the opportunities for 2026.”