Bottas Rules Out 2025 Racing, Targets F1 Comeback

Valtteri Bottas has ruled out competing elsewhere in 2025, focusing instead on a potential return to Formula 1 in 2026.

Valtteri Bottas has ruled out competing in another championship outside of F1 despite losing his Sauber seat for the 2025 season.

Between the Brazilian and Las Vegas Grands Prix, Sauber announced that neither Bottas nor his teammate Guanyu Zhou would be retained for next year.

Bottas was in contention to remain with Sauber in 2025 alongside Nico Hülkenberg, but the Swiss-based team ultimately chose F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto.

As a result, Bottas is left without a seat for next year, and with no available options, he faces a year on the sidelines.

He has been linked to a potential return to Mercedes F1 as a reserve driver and/or advisor to Toto Wolff, but his immediate future remains uncertain.

Speaking during the FIA press conference ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Bottas reflected on the situation.

“The closer we got to the decision date, the more I realized there were other candidates as well. Of course, you start hearing rumors. In the end, I still thought it might be a 50-50 chance [to stay]. I got the call on Monday after the São Paulo Grand Prix, but at least now I know. I just have to figure out what’s next.”

Bottas outlined his plans for next year, which remain unclear.

“For now, I feel like jumping into a new category comes a bit too late. We’re almost in December. I think it would be more realistic if I don’t find a seat in F1 for 2026, as I’m aiming for a return in 2026… so it would probably be from 2026 onwards for another category. I need to try to plan all of this.”

“The picture is starting to take shape in my mind of what the ideal situation is.”

Even though his F1 career – at least for now – will end next month, he is at peace with himself.

“Yes, absolutely. Life goes on. There are plenty of exciting things ahead. I’m fine with it. It’s a tricky sport. I think I’ve been in an unfortunate position in terms of the fight for the last seat on the grid. And if that doesn’t happen, you’re out of the grid.”

“This is how my F1 driving career ends… for now. It’s not the best way, as I can’t really decide for myself. I feel like I still have a lot to contribute to this sport. I still love it. I love racing. The best drivers in the world in the best cars in the world. That’s what I love. I’m just trying to figure out what’s next. I’m taking it day by day. There are some interesting things on the table.”