Valtteri Bottas takes the wheel of a McLaren F1 in Barcelona, marking a key moment in his multifaceted role for 2025.
Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes F1’s reserve driver, will be behind the wheel of a McLaren during testing of an older Formula 1 car (TPC testing) at the Barcelona circuit this week.
Bottas will drive the 2023 McLaren MCL60 – a two-year-old car – and use this opportunity to familiarize himself with McLaren’s team environment at their Woking base.
This move subtly confirms that an agreement has been reached allowing Bottas to step in as a potential replacement for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri if necessary.
Bottas Set for Full 2025 Season
Mercedes F1 has requested Bottas to be available for all 24 races this season, as he has no other competitive commitments.
Bottas will continue his role in a similar way to Mick Schumacher before him, balancing duties with multiple teams.
He could also be loaned out to Williams or Aston Martin F1 if required, though Aston Martin also has Stoffel Vandoorne available for several races.
One important detail to note: if Bottas returns to a race on the grid in 2025 or beyond (potentially with Cadillac in 2026?), he will have to serve a five-place grid penalty still pending from his collision with Sergio Perez during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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Bottas to Test McLaren F1 in Barcelona This Week Bottas to Test McLaren F1 in Barcelona This Week
