Bottas: I'm not going to give up Formula 1 yet

      Valtteri Bottas, in an interview with Sky Sports, spoke about his current role at Mercedes, and also stressed that he intends to do everything possible to return to Formula 1 as a prize driver.

      Q: You are well aware of how fast Mercedes cars are – it's probably not that much fun watching your colleagues work on the track? Are you already figuring out what you're going to do next year? Maybe you are interested in the Cadillac F1 project?Valtteri Bottas: I'm in a good mood. Of course, I understood that as a reserve driver, when I will be in the paddock at all stages of the season, but I will not race, everything is perceived a little differently. Nevertheless, this is the best choice for me – I'm still in a good team, I'm related to a good brand, so I'm glad that I stayed in Formula 1 and I'm aware of everything that's happening in the championship.

      A lot can change in our sport in one year, and, of course, I would like to race – this remains my goal. Whatever opportunity presents itself, I will, of course, try to take advantage of it.

      Q: It is clear that you want to return to racing. But in the previous two years, you played for a team that is much weaker than those with whom you collaborated before.

      Would you still prefer to be in a similar situation now? Or is it better to be a third driver at Mercedes, where you are remembered, loved and appreciated?Valtteri Bottas: Everything that happens has its reasons – I think so, and I think that working with Mercedes is a good option in a situation where there are no more places left in the teams. But, of course, if there are any opportunities for next year, then we will need to analyze all the options, find out who sets what goals for themselves and make a choice based on which of the offers suits me.

      Q: How much has the Mercedes team changed since you left it?Valtteri Bottas: Everything is about as expected here. The team is evolving normally, developing, new people have appeared in it, but such changes always occur in our sport. At the same time, the atmosphere in the team and the general attitude remained the same; Mercedes is still led by Toto Wolff, who hates to lose. In general, I am glad to see this thirst for victory, it has not gone away.

      Q: How are you going to keep up your racing form?Valtteri Bottas: Of course, this year it is important for me to work on the tests – this is a key moment. For example, last week I participated in the tests with McLaren, and it was fun! Mercedes also has tests planned, as well as participation in promotional shoots, etc. Let's see if this will be enough to maintain the right racing form, and if not, then we'll have to think about competing in some series.

      Question: Have you been able to provide Mercedes with any assistance in solving this or that problem?Valtteri Bottas: I try to be useful to the team, I try to apply my experience. First of all, this applies to working with Kimi Antonelli, including this weekend, because Suzuki is a new track for him. That's why I give him some advice, but I also participate in all the meetings that take place in the team, and if I feel that I can contribute to the common cause, I share my views on this or that issue.

      There have already been a couple of such cases, although, of course, the team is full of very talented engineers, and I'm not going to become a racer doing engineering work.

      Question: Finally, tell us, are you already negotiating with any teams for 2026?Valtteri Bottas: Since I intend to return to the championship, then, of course, I am conducting such negotiations and I am not going to part with Formula 1 yet.