Apr.29 (GMM) Valtteri Bottas says his contract with Mercedes permits him to race outdoors of Components 1.
After dropping his Sauber seat on the finish of final 12 months, the 10-time grand prix winner returned to Mercedes – the place he was famously Lewis Hamilton’s teammate – as reserve driver.
He’s now being linked with the brand new Cadillac F1 group for 2026.
“I hope to return to the grid,” he tells automoto.it. “I really feel like I haven’t completed my journey on this sport but. I nonetheless have a number of years forward of me.
“That’s the purpose. Learn how to obtain it’s the tough half.”
Bottas, 35, is now usually pictured alongside his former boss and buddy Toto Wolff within the Mercedes storage, and nearly as usually praised for his function in mentoring Hamilton’s teenage substitute, Kimi Antonelli.
“He nonetheless has quite a bit to study,” Bottas mentioned when requested concerning the 18-year-old Italian.
“There’s a lot to soak up, particularly on tracks he hasn’t raced on. I can put my expertise at his service for the setup. For driving. I attempt to assist him.”
Bottas’ association with Mercedes means he has to attend all 24 grands prix, however he reveals that the contract additionally offers him some freedom.
“Step one is to be right here, with an excellent group,” he mentioned on his quest to return to F1. “I maintain myself up to date on what’s taking place within the surroundings, with the groups getting ready for 2026.
“F1 stays my precedence,” Bottas added, “however contractually I may participate in some races throughout the season. For now I’ve been too busy to do this, however I really feel like my profession as a driver isn’t over but.
“If it weren’t for F1, I’d race elsewhere.”
After Jeddah, Bottas travelled to Australia to reunite together with his girlfriend Tiffany, and the pair of them each raced within the 100km gravel biking world championship occasion close to Adelaide.
Along with his love of biking that has developed into a real ardour and ability in recent times, Bottas thinks that though in his mid-30s, he nonetheless has what it takes to race on the prime stage in Components 1 as soon as once more.
“Why not?” mentioned the Finn when requested if he’ll nonetheless be match sufficient for F1 even when he turns 40 in 2029. “I really feel like I’m in prime type each bodily and mentally.”
