The German Mick Schumacher, who served as the Mercedes team’s reserve driver for two seasons, will leave the team after this season.
Finnish Formula 1 driver With Valtteri Bottas there are still two races left in his streak with the Sauber team. There was a hint about Bottas’ future last week when the Mercedes team manager Toto Wolff described Bottas’ contract to Mercedes for the role of reserve driver as “only a matter of time”.
During the Qatar GP on Thursday, Mercedes announced that the German, who has been the team’s reserve driver for two seasons Mick Schumacher leave the washer after this season. Bottas said that discussions with Mercedes are ongoing.
– We are discussing, and the discussions are progressing well. There is still some work to be done, but we will talk, Bottas said.
Bottas has been mulling over his future lately, and driving in other series, such as the Indy series or perhaps racing on rally roads, has been on his mind. However, staying in Formula 1 is a priority, and a role in the Mercedes reserve would contribute to perhaps a race driver’s place for the 2026 season.
– It is a viable option and I really appreciate what Toto said last weekend. Some things still need to be finished, and I want to wait at least a few more days or a week or two. Let’s probably finish this season and then we’ll see, Bottas thought.
– After this season, I will run (in March) the Race of Champions, which is before (next season’s F1 opening race) Melbourne. Be that as it may, I won’t be racing anywhere for a full season next season. Somewhere in the race, depending on where I end up now and how much testing I do, Bottas explained.
Behind the wheel of a Cadillac?
The 2026 season is on the mind, and not just Bottas. At that time, Cadillac is set to join the F1 series as its 11th team.
– As I said, the Formula Ones are still a priority for me. I feel like I’m not done with this sport yet. If you stick to the patterns and hopefully even get to test, it will give you a chance until 2026. At that time, a new team will join, and it will know two additional places (for race drivers). So it does increase the possibilities.
Cadillac has been in contact with Bottas, but as Bottas states, he is not the only one who has been talked about.
– That is interesting from my point of view, and great for F1. A great brand, General Motors in the big background, so it’s an interesting project.