Bottas suggests he might remain with Mercedes in 2026.

Bottas suggests he might remain with Mercedes in 2026.

      "I was meant to do it two weeks ago."

      Valtteri Bottas has strongly suggested that he could be remaining with Mercedes in 2026. The 35-year-old Finnish driver lost his Sauber position at the end of last year and returned to Mercedes as a full-time reserve driver in 2025. Bottas, who achieved 10 grand prix victories while being Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, had been rumored to be a candidate for the new eleventh F1 team, Cadillac, for 2026. However, he now indicates that he is set to enter the Mercedes simulator at Brackley next week to specifically prepare for the 2026 season, which will feature completely new and significantly different power unit and chassis regulations. If Bottas is indeed still in the running for a seat with Cadillac, it seems unlikely that Mercedes would permit him to gain early insight into the team's plans for 2026, especially since they are anticipated to excel with their power unit. "I was meant to do it two weeks ago," Bottas stated to Soy Motor in Barcelona, "but the simulator wasn’t functional. I have a simulator day next week," he disclosed. "It will likely be my first opportunity to work on 2026 and comprehend the differences compared to 2025."

Other articles

'Ice-boy' Piastri opting for a 'dull' path toward the 2025 championship. 'Ice-boy' Piastri opting for a 'dull' path toward the 2025 championship. Formula 1 | Max Verstappen's outrageous conduct in the late stages of the race captured the spotlight, while Oscar Piastri starts to solidify his position for the 2025 drivers' championship (…) Stroll threw a tantrum prior to his withdrawal from the Spanish GP. Stroll threw a tantrum prior to his withdrawal from the Spanish GP. Formula 1 | There may be more to Lance Stroll's unexpected exit from the Spanish GP than it appears. The Canadian, whose affluent father Lawrence (…) Marko: Unlikely to defeat McLaren in Barcelona. Marko: Unlikely to defeat McLaren in Barcelona. Formula 1 | Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledges that a podium finish is likely the best outcome Max Verstappen can expect this Sunday, particularly concerning the front wing (…) Verstappen: I don't see the need to talk to Russell. Verstappen: I don't see the need to talk to Russell. Max Verstappen does not plan to discuss with George Russell their collision in the fifth corner, for which the stewards punished the Red Bull Racing driver with a 10-second penalty and three penalty points. Past Grand Prix statistics: Races and drivers Past Grand Prix statistics: Races and drivers The statistics of the drivers' performances in the past Grand Prix... DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award: Sauber's Best Pit Stop DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award: Sauber's Best Pit Stop In Barcelona, Sauber mechanics made the fastest pit stop, servicing Gabriel Bortoleto's car on lap 19 in 2.13 seconds.

Bottas suggests he might remain with Mercedes in 2026.

Formula 1 | Valtteri Bottas has given a strong indication that he might be continuing with Mercedes in 2026. The 35-year-old Finn lost his position at Sauber at the conclusion of (…)