Ex-Mercedes driver makes ‘could go forever’ remark after BRUTAL snub from 2025 F1 grid
Several top drivers lost their racing seat at the end of the fiercely contested 2024 Formula 1 season.
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Valtteri Bottas (via IMAGO)
The 2024 F1 season proved to be tough on many drivers. Several lost their places on their respective teams for 2025 and among them, was also the ex-Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. The Finn’s contract was not renewed by Sauber (Audi), and neither the other teams wanted to bring him into their fold.
However, despite not being on the grid for next year, the 10-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas has not lost hope. He wants to get back on the grid in a racing capacity and while he has signed with Mercedes as their reserve driver, he has asserted that he can go forever from F1.
That’s why I also feel like I’m not done with the sport yet, because I feel like I could go forever. I’ve got everything in a great balance, and I don’t really feel like I’m getting fatigued because of F1.
Valtteri Bottas via Motorsport
Looking at the reaction of Bottas, it seems he still wants to contribute to the pinnacle of motor racing. He is currently 35 years old and has quite a few years ahead of him, especially keeping in view the ages of Lewis Hamilton (39) and Fernando Alonso (43).
Valtteri Bottas disappointed by betting his career on Sauber
While Valtteri Bottas is determined to make an entry on the F1 grid again, he believes that the Sauber stint was the worst decision he made in relation to his career. Bottas spent three years with the Hinwii-based team from 2022 onwards.
If I could go back three years, I probably would have chosen another team to go into, based on what the situation is now. But you just can’t predict the future. There has not been enough stability in terms of the leadership. We have now our third new leader within three years, and with each of the changes to the top, it has also meant that many key people have changed in the roles.
Valtteri Bottas via the same interview
Despite Bottas having a terrible time in F1 since leaving Mercedes as a racing driver in 2021, he is highly respected on the grid. Moreover, the 35-year-old is especially known for his one-lap pace in the high-pressure qualifying sessions.
The Brackley-based Mercedes understands the value Bottas could add, and this is the reason why they have brought him on board for 2025 as a reserve driver. In case, something happens to George Russell or Kimi Antonelli, Bottas will then become the automatic choice to race for Mercedes in the campaign.
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Rishabh Negi
(3234 Articles Published)