MEXICO CITY : Valtteri Bottas has raised the possibility of returning to the Mercedes Formula One team in a reserve role if Sauber, the future Audi team, drop him at the end of the season.The 35-year-old Finn won 10 grands prix driving for Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton between 2017-21 before joining Ferrari-powered Sauber in 2022."Firstly, the priority is to stay as a race driver - that is what I want, and that is what we are pushing for," Bottas told reporters at the Mexican Grand Prix."But of course, as I don't have anything signed, we are in October and I've got to look at all the alternatives.
That includes going back to the Mercedes family."That's for sure one option and I would consider it, but there are other options as well."Sauber boss Mattia Binotto told Reuters he expected a decision by mid-November on the last vacancy on the 2025 starting grid.
Mercedes also supply engines to Williams, Bottas's first team, and McLaren and are expected to add Renault-owned Alpine to the list from 2026 when the French manufacturer stops making its own power unit.Aston Martin will also use Mercedes engines next year before switching to Honda power.