Bottas Returns to Mercedes as Reserve Driver After Leaving Sauber

Mercedes, a competitor in the Formula 1 World Championship, announced on Thursday that Valtteri Bottas will return to the team as a reserve driver for the 2025 season, following his departure from Sauber at the end of last season.

The 35-year-old Finn spent five seasons with Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, partnering with Lewis Hamilton before moving to Alfa Romeo, now Sauber.

Bottas said in a statement:

“I’m thrilled to finally answer the question I’ve been asked over the past month. Returning to the Mercedes family as the third driver for 2025 is something I’m looking forward to, and I couldn’t be happier.”

He added:

“I want to thank [team principal] Toto [Wolff], the team at Brackley, and everyone for welcoming me with open arms.”

Mercedes will field George Russell and rookie Italian Kimi Antonelli (18 years old), who will make his Formula 1 debut, while Hamilton moves to Ferrari.

During his time with Mercedes, Bottas achieved 10 Grand Prix victories and 58 podium finishes.

Wolff said:

“Valtteri’s impact and contribution during his five years with us as a primary driver were immense.”

He explained:

“In addition to his many Grand Prix wins, he played a vital role in five (out of eight) Constructors’ Championship titles the team won.”

Sauber announced last month that both Bottas and Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu would leave the team at the end of the season.

The Sauber team, which will become Audi’s works team in 2026, has signed Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as replacements.