Valtteri Bottas will return to Mercedes because the crew’s new third driver for the 2025 season.
The veteran Finn, who misplaced his seat in subsequent yr’s Method 1 after being launched by Sauber, had been anticipated to return to Mercedes and work with Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021. Lewis Hamilton, profitable 10 races.
Mick Schumacher had been the crew’s reserve driver for the previous two seasons, however the German introduced his exit final month to pursue different alternatives in motorsport.
With Hamilton leaving the crew to affix Ferrari, 18-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli took over the vacant racing seat subsequent to George Russell.
“I am delighted to have lastly answered the questions I’ve requested over the previous month. The subsequent step is to return to the Mercedes household because the third driver in 2025 and I could not be happier,” stated Bottas. , who’s eager to safe an F1 seat from 2026 onwards.
“I wish to thank Toto [Wolff]Brackley’s crew and everybody on the Three-Level Stars welcomed me again with open arms.
“Regardless of the challenges of the previous few years, I do know I can nonetheless contribute extra to F1. Since I used to be a five-year-old rising up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on reaching success and to date, in my I’ve been fortunate sufficient to get pleasure from many unbelievable moments throughout my 12 years in F1.
“As I return to the place the place so lots of my moments have been achieved, I sit up for utilizing all of the information I’ve gained to assist the crew carry out and transfer towards the aim of competing for a world championship.”
Mercedes crew principal Toto Wolff stated he was delighted to see the favored Finn return and described the influence the 35-year-old had on the crew throughout his first 5 years with the crew -Throughout this time, the crew received the Constructors’ Championship in each occasion.
“His technical suggestions and enter have been vital in serving to us obtain these successes and transfer the crew ahead,” Wolf added.
“Not solely that, he was a improbable colleague and crew participant. His dry humorousness and personable nature endeared him to everybody in Brackley and Brixworth.
“All of those qualities are vital in serving to us compete for the world title and supporting George and Kimi heading in the right direction.”
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