Valtteri Bottas will return to Mercedes next season as a reserve driver following Mick Schumacher’s decision to leave, announced the manufacturer on Thursday. “Return the house to the Mercedes family as a third driver for 2025 is what is following and I could not be happier,” said Finn, 35, who was not kept by Sauber before their takeover by Audi. “I would like to thank Toto (Wolff), the Brackley team, and everyone at the three -point star for welcoming me with open arms.” Bottas won 10 Grands Prix during its five years at Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021.
“Despite the challenges of recent years, I know that I have much more to contribute to F1,” he continued.
“While I go back to the place where so many moments have been made, I can’t wait to use all the knowledge I have acquired to help the team perform and progress towards our goal of struggle for the world championships.”
Bottas experienced three difficult seasons in the Alfi-Romeo team, renamed Sauber, finishing the tenth in the pilot ranking in 2022, 15th in 2023 and 22nd without points last season.
Mercedes will change their alignment next year after the Switch Switch of the Champion Hamilton in Ferrari – George Russell will remain with the Italian adolescent Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton.
“Welcome home, Valtteri!” said Wolff. “It’s great to see you again.”
Wolff congratulated Bottas’ immense impact and contribution “during its five years with the team.
“In addition to scoring several Gins Prix Gins, he played an essential role in five of our championship victories,” said Wolff.
“His technical comments and contributions were important to help us with these successes and advance the team.
“Not only was that, but he was also a colleague and a member of the fantastic team. His sense of dry humor and his kind nature made him a firm favorite with everyone.
“In its role as a reserve driver, all these qualities will be incredibly important to help us compete for the world championships and support George and Kimi on the right track.”
Schumacher, 25, son of the champion of seven times Michael Schumacher, was Mercedes’ reserve for two years after spending two years with the Haas team.
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