Briatore refutes claims of targeting Bottas for a seat in 2025.

      Flavio Briatore has strongly denied the increasing speculation that he has chosen Valtteri Bottas to come off the Formula 1 reserve bench for the Belgian GP. During an event at Silverstone, both Mercedes reserve driver Bottas and his team principal Toto Wolff mentioned they had discussions with Alpine head Briatore regarding the 35-year-old Finn taking over from the struggling Franco Colapinto in the latter half of the 2025 season.

      "I have no such information," Briatore, 75, said curtly when questioned about the Belgian GP rumors. "Absolutely not," he stressed.

      Some believe that the ten-time grand prix winner Bottas could be a dependable option to help Alpine avoid finishing last in this year's constructors' championship. "He is a good driver," Briatore acknowledged, "but right now we have our own guys. If we decide to change, I will let you know."

      It seems more probable that Bottas’ return would be for a full-time position with a multi-season contract with the new 2026 F1 team Cadillac. It is thought that Bottas had conversations with both team boss Graeme Lowdon and the project's CEO Dan Towriss behind the scenes at the British GP.

      "I’ve known Valtteri for a long time," Lowdon confirmed. "I like him a lot. He’s fast, and he’s one of the drivers we’re considering. He’s on our list."

      Even if an offer for a part-season emerges from Alpine, racing driver Toni Vilander believes his fellow Finnish countryman should decline. "I wouldn’t go for a half-season," he stated. "There’s a significant risk that the car won’t match the driver’s style or needs. Getting accustomed to it takes numerous weekends, while decisions are already being made. We have seen instances like this that have led to the end of careers."