Valtteri Bottas embraces his reserve driver role at Mercedes, focusing on simulator work and Pirelli tire testing ahead of future opportunities.
For Valtteri Bottas, it will be a season on pause after being overlooked for the future by Sauber and Audi F1.
Sauber ultimately chose to pair Nico Hulkenberg with Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, leaving Bottas without a seat and forcing him to return to Mercedes F1 as a test and reserve driver for a season.
The Finn had been a constant presence on the F1 grid since 2013, winning 10 races during that time with Mercedes F1.
Bottas admitted it will take some time to adapt to his new role outside of racing every weekend.
“The biggest difference will be, I’d say, when the lights go out on Sunday.”
“I’m no longer in it; I’m on the outside watching, and that’s going to feel strange and will definitely take some time to get used to, but I’ll try to stay busy.”
“There’s plenty to do anyway. Lots of simulator work, which is becoming increasingly important every year because it isn’t limited in terms of days or mileage.”
“There will be tire tests. There will be Pirelli tests, particularly for 2026, as the regulations will change. And of course, they’ll use me with sponsors at various events and things like that.”
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Pirelli Tests and Mercedes Tasks for Bottas in 2025 Pirelli Tests and Mercedes Tasks for Bottas in 2025
