Valtteri Bottas returns to Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas returns to Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas is returning to Mercedes. After three seasons at the wheel of the Alfa Romeo/Sauber, in fact, the Brackley-based stable has announced the return of the Finnish driver as a reserve driver for George Russelle and Kimi Antonelli.
"The return to the Mercedes family as a third driver for 2025 è the next step and I couldn’t be happier. I want to thank Toto, the team in Brackley and all the employees of the three-pointed star for welcoming me with open arms" began the Finnish driver.
"Despite the difficulties" of recent years, I know I still have a lot to give to F1. Ever since I was a five-year-old boy growing up in Nastola, Finland, my goal was to achieve success in the highest level of motorsport. I was fortunate enough to experience incredible moments in the 12 years I raced in F1. Returning to the place where I scored my first victories, I look forward to using all the knowledge I have gained to help the team achieve results and progress toward our goal of fighting for the world championship" added Valtteri Bottas.
"Welcome back home, Valtteri! It's great to have you back. Your impact and contribution in the five years you è been with us as a racing driver have been immense. In addition to winning numerous Grand Prix, he played a key role. His technical feedback and input have been important in helping us achieve these successes and move the team forward. He's also been a fantastic colleague and member of this team. His dry sense of humor and friendly nature have made him a darling of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. In his role as a reserve driver, all of his qualities will be incredibly useful in competing for world championships and supporting both George and Kimi" on the track.
This, instead, was the welcome message from team principal Toto Wolff.
