Mercedes have entered a different era in 2025 compared to previous seasons because, for the first time, they are without a world champion in their F1 driver line-up.
Lewis Hamilton decided to leave the Silver Arrows at the end of last season to join Ferrari, having achieved a lot of success at the team, including six Drivers’ titles and eight Constructors’ Championships.
It was the last dominant era for a driver and car combination before Max Verstappen and Red Bull, although Mercedes have struggled to recapture that in recent years.
The arrival of Andrea Kimi Antonelli has added a bit of excitement back to the team, while George Russell is now their team leader, although there could be questions over his future if success doesn’t come in the future.
Discussing the changes in the team since Hamilton’s exit last year, former teammate Valtteri Bottas believes there has been a shift in mentality within the team when speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast.
Valtteri Bottas explains what has changed since Lewis Hamilton’s exit at Mercedes
Bottas was Hamilton’s teammate between the 2017 and 2021 seasons and achieved 58 podium finishes and won 10 races during that period.
The Finn then moved to Sauber for the 2022 season, before switching back to Mercedes as their reserve driver in 2025 after not being chosen by Audi as part of their driver line-up.
When asked about how much has changed at the team in the three years he wasn’t there and since Hamilton’s exit, Bottas believes there has been a noticeable shift.
“Yes and no. In the end, the spirit is still the same. The winning mentality is still there, everyone is still working as hard as they can, trying to solve issues and get better. That hasn’t changed at all,” said Bottas.
“Otherwise, losing a big figure such as Lewis, I think, has made some kind of difference. It’s hard to describe the feeling, but I think there has been some excitement over young Kimi and George being the more senior driver. Maybe it’s a bit more chilled in a way.”
READ MORE: Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin
Valtteri Bottas could find his way back onto the F1 grid soon
Bottas has not made it a secret that he would like to return to the F1 grid, having shown interest in the upcoming Cadillac project that is set to make its debut in 2026.
Another development over the Spanish GP weekend could see Bottas make a return in the short term.
Lance Stroll pulled out of the race because of an issue with his hand, an overhang from his 2023 cycling incident, but he could also be looking for an exit from Aston Martin.
Stroll’s results have been a mixed bag this season, and Bottas could replace him full-time, although Aston Martin reportedly does not have an agreement to use him as a replacement.
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