Although Valtteri Bottas is currently serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes, speculation about his future in Formula 1 continues to intensify. The veteran racer recently participated in a two-day Testing of Previous Car (TPC) session with Mercedes at Circuito de Jerez in Spain, completing 113 laps on the first day and indicating more running was planned for the following day. This activity followed his appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, signaling that Bottas remains actively connected to top teams as questions swirl about his next move.
Connections to Cadillac and Alpine Stir Interest
Bottas is frequently mentioned as a prominent candidate for the new Cadillac F1 team launching next season, with hints made by the driver himself through social media earlier this summer. Concurrently, Alpine has emerged as a possible destination for Bottas during this season as it looks to finalize its second race seat alongside Pierre Gasly. After choosing Franco Colapinto over Jack Doohan, Alpine’s senior advisor, Flavio Briatore, is evaluating several options. The team has also arranged for its reserve driver, Paul Aron, to run FP1 sessions at the British and Hungarian Grands Prix, reflecting a period of transition and testing within Alpine’s driver lineup.
Discussions Between Mercedes and Alpine Confirm Ongoing Negotiations
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged that talks concerning Bottas’ future are ongoing. Speaking at Silverstone, Wolff confirmed multiple conversations with Briatore regarding Bottas’ potential move, stating,
I try to stay in the background.
He added,
“A few times, actually… It seems that the interest in Valtteri is increasing even more. He deserves that seat. If someone grabs him as a race driver, we’ll let him go. Of course, with a tear in the corner of our eye.”
Wolff emphasized that while he offers advice as a friend, the final decisions rest with Bottas and his management team.
The Implication of Bottas’ Next Steps for Formula 1
As Bottas remains a respected figure within the paddock, his potential moves to Cadillac or Alpine could shift the driver landscape significantly for both this and next season. His ongoing testing with Mercedes, coupled with confirmed talks over a race seat, suggest his quiet period as a reserve driver may soon end. The decisions made this summer will be critical for Bottas as he aims to secure a competitive position on the grid, assuring his continued presence in Formula 1’s evolving competitive environment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?
A. The number 17 is the only one in Formula 1 that has been permanently retired. This was done to honor Jules Bianchi, a French driver. Bianchi was using the number 17 when he had a tragic accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver. He races for Mercedes and used to drive for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his wide-ranging interests and passions.
Q. Why is number 17 banned in F1?
A. The number 17 was set aside to honor Jules Bianchi, a French driver who died in 2015. He sustained serious head injuries during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. Jules raced with the number 17, and the FIA decided to retire it as a mark of respect.
Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?
A. Drivers can select a permanent number between 0 and 99, except for the number 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion has the option to use number 1 if they want, but they don’t have to choose it.