F1 Beyond The Grid Valtteri Bottas: Cadillac is ‘very interesting project’
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Jun 3, 2025 Valtteri Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner and current Mercedes reserve driver, discusses his aspiration to return to Formula 1 in 2026. He shares his excitement about the new Cadillac team entering F1 and weighs his options among several teams. Bottas reveals his reasons for rejoining Mercedes, his reflections on personal growth through racing, and the challenges drivers face. He also dives into his passion projects, including a gin brand, underscoring how his racing journey intersects with entrepreneurship.
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Bottas's Passion for F1 Continues
- Valtteri Bottas is not done with Formula One and still feels racing is his top priority.
- He believes he has more to give and hasn't experienced any decline in his performance yet.
Value of Reserve Driver Role
- Staying connected to F1 via a reserve role helps maintain technical sharpness and understanding of upcoming regulations.
- Reserve driver roles can be preferable to racing in other series for career continuity and insight.
Driving Older F1 Cars
- Bottas drove a McLaren two-year-old car and a 2020 Mercedes, enjoying the nimbleness and softness compared to current F1 cars.
- He appreciated the smaller size and lighter weight of previous generation cars over the latest ones.