Bottas is 'near' a deal with Cadillac as the opportunity with Alpine diminishes.
"Naturally, being close doesn’t ensure anything."
Valtteri Bottas is nearing a full-time return to the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac, as multiple sources indicate that a deal for 2026 may soon be confirmed. After the race at Spa, renowned F1 photographer Kym Illman shared a private conversation he had with the Finnish driver. "I mentioned that I've seen reports claiming you’ve already signed with Cadillac," Illman recounted on his YouTube channel, as reported by Finland’s MTV. "He replied, ‘No, I haven’t struck a deal with Cadillac, but we’re close.’" "Of course, being close doesn’t ensure anything, but if I had to make a wager..."
Speculation intensified during the Belgian GP weekend, with former world champion Nico Rosberg questioning Bottas on the grid during Sky’s live broadcast. "New contract with Cadillac?" Rosberg inquired. "Just a rumor, right?" Bottas, now 35 and serving as a reserve for Mercedes, offered a bemused smile. "There are plenty of rumors in this sport."
While Cadillac is widely expected to pair Bottas with Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich, there have also been links to Alpine, where rookie Franco Colapinto is facing a challenging second half of the season in F1. Michael Schmidt from Auto Motor und Sport reports that the young Argentine, who is a talent backed by Flavio Briatore and currently on loan from Williams, is likely to be let go after 2025. "Jack Doohan has already lost his seat, and Franco Colapinto will be released by the end of the season at the latest," Schmidt noted, giving the 21-year-old a score of just 4 out of 10 for his performance at Spa, while teammate Pierre Gasly received a perfect 10.
Rosberg, speaking to f1-insider.com, believes Bottas is the clear candidate for Cadillac’s inaugural F1 season. "Bottas, without a doubt, given that he was also competitive in direct comparison with Lewis Hamilton. That’s a safe choice."
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