Valtteri Bottas is exploring multiple routes back onto the Formula 1 grid for 2026. He lost his Sauber seat at the end of the 2024 season.
Unlike axed Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, for example, Bottas has remained in the F1 paddock by rejoining Mercedes as reserve driver. He’s also tested for engine customers McLaren this season.
There’s talk that Bottas could race for Aston Martin in Canada if Lance Stroll is unavailable after undergoing surgery. He’s one of the top 15 most experienced drivers ever after taking part in 246 Grands Prix.
Bottas won 10 races during his first stint at Mercedes between 2017 and 2021. He’s also scored 67 podiums, but Sauber’s struggles arguably tarnished his image last year.
The Swiss outfit didn’t score a point until the penultimate round of the season in Qatar, when teammate Zhou Guanyu benefited from the chaos to take P8.
Valtteri Bottas re-opens talks with Alpine over potential 2026 move
On the latest episode of F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Bottas was asked about a variety of teams he could join in 2026. One of those was Alpine.
He confirmed that he held talks with the Enstone outfit last year before they signed Jack Doohan to replace Esteban Ocon. Doohan lasted just six races until he was demoted back to a reserve role, with Franco Colapinto replacing him.
Initially announced on a five-race contract, Colapinto has struggled thus far. He hasn’t escaped Q1 or finished higher than 13th in a Grand Prix.
In addition to the upheaval in the garage, Alpine haven’t found managerial stability. Oliver Oakes recently became the third team principal to depart in less than two years, solidifying their status as F1’s most chaotic team.
“There probably have been some discussions,” Bottas said of Alpine. “I haven’t really been involved. But I do have a management team always [working] in the background, seeing what is out there.
“They do have a Mercedes power unit for the future, which I think is a good call. They’re on their second driver [line-up] this year, and I think the next races will show how that goes. Experience can always help.
“But there’s lots of politics in this sport. I don’t have tens of millions to pay for a seat, for example.
Asked if there were conversations with the Renault-owned squad last year, he replied: “Yes. I spoke earlier on last year to quite a few teams, because I was going to the end of my contract.”
Why Cadillac may turn down the chance to sign Valtteri Bottas for F1 debut
Perez has also been linked with Alpine and offers enormous commercial incentives. As Bottas hinted, this could be a difference-maker for Flavio Briatore.
Theoretically, Alpine signing Perez would open the door for Bottas to join Cadillac instead. The arrival of the American team opens up two extra seats on the 2026 grid.
However, a recent report claims that Cadillac may favour Mick Schumacher over Bottas. They’ve long been admirers of the former Haas driver, who’s currently racing in the World Endurance Championship.
The two Red Bull teams have potential vacancies for next year, but Helmut Marko isn’t a fan of Bottas. With a Mercedes promotion unrealistic, his management should be focusing on Alpine and Cadillac.
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