Valtteri Bottas says he will take a new perspective in 2026 when he returns as a Mercedes Reserve a year later as a Formula 1 driver for the Cadillac.
Sauber has signed Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto to lead the team into the Audi era, signing a two-year contract that will run until 2026 and opting to leave Bottas without a seat for the current season. Finn returned to Mercedes to support George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, but next year he returned to the grid with Cadillac, believing that year he would better understand his role as a driver.
“Overall, when I see it, it was actually a good year,” Bottas told the racers. “As a Formula 1 race driver, I was able to secure my spot again.
“When you’re a driver, you’re like being in your own bubble with a limited number of people you work with in person. Especially when you’re on track, you really only have one person you’re communicating with. But now you’re in the garage for all the sessions and listen to all the coms happening in different situations, I think I’ve actually learned a few things about some teamwork.
“It opened my eyes a little. I think this experience will help me in the future. I know a little more about how the team needs to operate and what is the standard for different things.
“But I think it was a good year because they appreciated the sport more. Being a 20-year-old Formula 1 driver with 22 years old or 22 years next year is very unique.
Finn wanted to return to the grid in 2026, but claims he didn’t explore many options other than the Cadillac opportunity, given how fascinating the new team’s project is.
“I set Cadillac as a priority pretty early this year,” he said. “That was really the main focus, so that’s why the other discussions didn’t get too deep.
“To me, it was obvious what I wanted, and in the end, when it happened, it clearly made me very, very happy and everything went as planned.
“I learned things you shouldn’t be confident in since last year, so despite the lot of positive signs, words and feedback from your boss, I knew you shouldn’t be too excited, but until it was done, I knew I would stay calm and do your thing.
“Of course, it felt great to sign, and like the feeling of signing my first Formula One contract, it’s really cool.
“That day, I just realized once again that the launch date in New York would be a Formula 1 driver I am far more grateful for than what I did a few years ago.”
