No space for Bottas at Red Bull: 'Some people there don't like me'

Bottas will leave Sauber at the end of the 2024 season. He will be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Despite ongoing contract talks, Sauber eventually decided to bring in another rookie, Bortoleto. Now Bottas is in talks with Mercedes to return as a reserve driver for them. 

Bottas mentioned that they were currently talking. "We've been talking we've been talking for quite a long time. Obviously, this weekend, we'll be focusing on racing, but it's nice words from him, and I'm sure we will catch up again either tomorrow or Monday". 

Why Bottas is not in the picture at Red Bull

"Of course, I want to see all the options, but you know, if I look at it, there are many positive things about being back in the Mercedes family. It's a great team, it's a great brand and can create lots of opportunities for the future, so it's a really solid option for me, and actually, I'm thankful that they are willing to take me in the role". 

While there is another seat at Red Bull that may be available, the Finn driver does not seem to be an option for it. He feels "like there's some people at Red Bull who don't really like me, for some reason. I don't know. I don't think it's an option, but that's my feeling".

If Bottas became a reserve driver he would have more time to be with his family. However, he said that's not necessarily a good thing. "It's, you know, if the thing is that we don't go to all the races, then if something happens and you're not there… It's those kind of things I still need to really think about and also speak with them. Still trying to figure out what's next". 

This article was written in collaboration with Tim Kraaij.