Valtteri Bottas is eyeing a return to a full-time race seat in F1 in 2026, with the Finn being linked with newcomers Cadillac.
Bottas will serve as Mercedes‘ reserve driver in 2025, returning to the Brackley-based outfit after three years with Sauber.
Toto Wolff says Bottas will help ‘coach’ Kimi Antonelli in his rookie season, using his experience to guide the Italian as he replaces Lewis Hamilton.
The 35-year-old will do vital work in the simulator and will be a solid option to replace either Antonelli or Russell if needed during the season. McLaren could also use Bottas for testing purposes in a clandestine deal.
But the Finn’s intentions have always been to return to the F1 grid as he has his sights set on 2026. Bottas says Mercedes will not stand in his way if a seat becomes available.
Bottas has said he will not accept a one-year deal if he does return to a full-time seat. With options limited for next season due to teams not wanting to upset their driver pairings ahead of the regulation change, Cadillac may be the 35-year-old’s only option.
Valtteri Bottas says it is a ‘bit too early’ for talks with Cadillac as they are still setting the team up
It has been reported that Bottas has already held talks with Cadillac over a potential move in 2026. But it appears those conversations have calmed down.
The American brand are set to become the 11th team on the grid next year. However, Cadillac’s entry has not been confirmed yet – which they are looking to sort out before the 2025 season starts.
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When that happens, the budget cap will apply to Cadillac and they will be able to start work on their 2026 car. Rival teams believe Cadillac have an advantage as they can solely focus on 2026 while the existing 10 teams must build next year’s car simultaneously with the 2025 machine.
Setting up the team and getting their entry officially confirmed will take precedence over anything else. Speaking with Sky Sports F1, this is the reason why Bottas has not held talks with Cadillac, stating it is a ‘bit too early’ to do so.
When asked about the rumours, he said: “No, I think they’ve been still very busy on actually setting up the team, setting [up] the board and these kind of things.
“So, no, nothing yet, it’s a bit too early for that but let’s see”.
Who could drive for Cadillac in 2026?
Bottas has not ruled out the prospect of him joining Cadillac. The 35-year-old remains a solid option for the team will his experience and being a multiple Grand Prix winner.
While the American outfit will be focused on setting the team up, they will have to decide on their two drivers sooner rather than later.
Colton Herta has been heavily linked with Cadillac as the team want to have an American driver in one of their cars.
An experienced driver is said to be desired to go alongside the American. Zhou Guanyu says his goal is to return to F1 with Cadillac after signing as Ferrari’s reserve driver for 2025.
Sergio Perez is also an option following his exit from Red Bull. The Mexican provides significant commercial value through his sponsors and large fanbase in North America.
