Valtteri Bottas steps into a McLaren MCL60 for an essential reserve driver test, showcasing the strategic collaboration between McLaren and Mercedes.
Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes’ reserve driver, recently returned to the track, but not in one of his usual Silver Arrows.
Last Thursday, he took part in a test session in a 2023 McLaren MCL60 on the Barcelona circuit.
A unique opportunity for Bottas, who was able to immerse himself in McLaren’s world, but under very specific conditions: according to F1’s previous car testing (TPC) regulations, teams can run cars that are two years old or older, allowing McLaren to use a recent MCL60, even though it is not the current car.
The Woking team, in line with its obligations to Mercedes, reserves its TPC tests for a very specific purpose.
On one hand, regular drivers like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri use these sessions to test new setups on cars nearly identical to those they race with.
On the other hand, a second set of tests is dedicated to reserve drivers, as a form of preparation for potential race seat changes.
In 2024, the tradition continued, with Bottas taking his place in the MCL60, an opportunity that was no accident. McLaren, in partnership with Williams, benefits from privileged access to Mercedes’ reserve drivers.
This strategic relationship is due to a need for flexibility in case of injuries or unexpected absences, allowing the team to have replacements ready to step in quickly.
With Pato O’Ward, McLaren’s reserve for 2025, being fully committed to IndyCar, it is therefore wise for the team to have alternatives on hand.
Bottas’ presence in these tests also has a clear goal: to ensure that reserve drivers, like him, get properly adjusted to the car and are well-prepared for a potential race seat.
Frederik Vesti, another Mercedes reserve driver, also participates in these tests, though this year he is focused on the IMSA championship in the United States.
TPC tests are an exception to F1’s strict regulations. In 2025, each team has 20 test days, with a maximum of 1000 km per season for its race drivers, spread over four days.
These tests cannot take place within 60 days of a race, and must be conducted using the specifications of the car from the season it raced in.
No new technical parts can be tested, a restriction that helps maintain an even playing field among the teams.
This rigorous testing approach highlights F1’s commitment to preparing its drivers, especially reserve drivers, who are often called upon at short notice.
Thus, Bottas, donning McLaren’s race suit, is not just taking a lap around the Barcelona circuit, but participating in a complex preparation process for potential future missions in Formula 1.
- Discover More>Coulthard on Lawson’s Dismissal: F1 is All About Speed
- Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 updates
Bottas takes the wheel of McLaren in vital reserve test Bottas takes the wheel of McLaren in vital reserve test
