Bottas gives update on Mercedes talks and says why he snubbed IndyCar talks
Valtteri Bottas provided an update about talks with Mercedes regarding a reserve driver role just after the German team confirmed that Mick Schumacher had decided to leave the position. Bottas also confirms that IndyCar teams have approached him and explained why he has rejected their talks.
Bottas, who is yet to score a point during the 2024 Formula 1 season, will not be at Sauber next season. In recent weeks, it became clear that the team, which will be known as Audi in 2026, opted for Gabriel Bortoleto alongside Nico Hulkenberg. Mercedes has flirted with their former driver about returning to the team. On Thursday, Mercedes confirmed Schumacher has decided to leave his role as reserve driver, opening up a vacancy. Bottas provided an update on the talks.
"We are talking and yeah, it's going well. Still a bit of work to do, but we're talking," Bottas told the media, including GPblog, in the paddock at the Qatar Grand Prix event. "Next up is [the] race of champions that's before Melbourne. In any case, next year I won't be racing a full season somewhere else, but might do some one-off things depending on where I end up and how much driving or testing I will get to do. But I'll be driving something, but not a full season."
Bottas explains why he thinks Mercedes should sign him. "If I end up there, I think I would have a lot to give for a rookie driver who's not raced in Formula One yet. That would be for sure one of my roles, to give my input and to share my knowledge as much as I can. I think it's a really solid option and I really appreciate what Toto said last weekend," he said.
"There's still a bit of work to do to finalise some things and it's been a while that I'm now in the situation that I can decide yes or no on a few different things now. I just want at least a few more days or one or two weeks and probably get over with the season and sit."
Will Bottas move to IndyCar?
The 35-year-old explains why he will not race full-time next year. "It's a conscious decision. I think it just comes too quick. Let's say, for example, jumping into a full IndyCar season after 12 years of F1. I just feel like it comes a bit too quick, because it's a lot of hard work. There's a lot of familiarisation to be done and all these things. I'd rather take just a bit of time, figure out what's next and go from there," Bottas added.
"I've had talks and approaches at this point [from IndyCar teams]. I've made it pretty clear that next year comes a bit too soon," Bottas said before confirming his focus is still on Formula 1.
"My priority is still to stay and race Formula 1. If it's not to be Formula 1 in 2026, then it's really interesting for me and for the future. He sees the Cadillac announcement as a chance to return to the grid in 2026. "I feel like I'm not done yet with this sport, so I think to be around to be able to hopefully do some testing etc. I think it gives me a chance for ‘26 because in this sport you just never know what happens. There is also a new team joining which means two more seats so that obviously increases the opportunities for ‘26," he added.
"I'm not the only one [interested in Cadillac], but of course it's interesting for me and I think it's great for F1. It's a great brand, GM is the big backer behind, so for sure it's an interesting project."