Valtteri Bottas returns to Mercedes as third driver for 2025 F1 season after Sauber exit | F1 Information

Valtteri Bottas returns to Mercedes because the group’s third driver for the 2025 season.

The skilled Finn discovered himself and not using a seat on subsequent 12 months’s Method 1 grid after being launched by Sauber and anticipated to return to Mercedes, the place he gained 10 races as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate from 2017 to 2021, in a returning senior function.

Mick Schumacher was a reserve driver with the group for the previous two seasons, however the German introduced his departure final month to pursue different alternatives in motorsport.

With Hamilton leaving the group for Ferrari, 18-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli was given the vacant racing seat alongside George Russell.

“I am completely happy to lastly be capable to reply the query I requested final month. Coming dwelling to the Mercedes household because the third driver for 2025 is the subsequent step and I could not be happier,” stated Bottas, who made clear within the ultimate weeks of the season, his need to safe a seat in F1 from 2026.

“I need to thank Toto [Wolff]the Brackley group and everybody underneath the three-pointed star for welcoming me with open arms.

“Regardless of the challenges of latest years, I do know I nonetheless have quite a bit to deliver to F1. Since I used to be 5 years previous and rising up in Nastola, Finland, I’ve been centered on reaching success. ” On the highest degree of motorsport, I’ve been lucky to expertise many unbelievable moments throughout my 12 years of racing in F1.

“As I return to the place the place so many of those moments have been made, I sit up for utilizing all of the data I’ve gained to assist the group carry out and progress in the direction of our aim of combating for the world championships.”

Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff stated he was delighted to see the favored Finn return, describing the 35-year-old’s influence on the group throughout his first 5 years with them – a interval throughout which they gained the constructors’ championship every time. season – like “immense”.

“His technical suggestions and contributions have been necessary in serving to us obtain these successes and transferring the group ahead,” added Wolff.

“Not solely that, however he was additionally a improbable colleague and group member. His dry humorousness and sort nature made him a favourite with everybody at Brackley and Brixworth.

“All of those qualities might be extraordinarily necessary in serving to us compete for the world championships and supporting George and Kimi on the monitor.”

Watch all 24 race weekends of the 2025 Method 1 season dwell on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP from March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime