Valtteri Bottas’ Potential Return to Mercedes Sparks Speculation Amid Antonelli Uncertainty

Valtteri Bottas could be on the verge of an unexpected return to Mercedes as a full-time driver, with recent reports suggesting that the team is considering him as a contingency plan if Kimi Antonelli fails to meet expectations in the 2025 season. The Finnish driver, a 10-time Grand Prix winner, has been without a competitive seat since moving to Sauber, a team that struggled significantly in performance. With Audi taking control of Sauber and seemingly not including Bottas in their long-term plans, the experienced driver now finds himself in a reserve role—but one that could quickly evolve into something much greater.

The departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari left Mercedes in a challenging position, forcing them to make a bold decision by promoting Antonelli, a highly regarded young talent but one with no prior F1 experience. While Antonelli has been compared to the likes of Max Verstappen due to his exceptional performances in junior categories, Mercedes is reportedly aware of the risks associated with such an early promotion. Team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly emphasized that 2025 will be a learning year for Antonelli rather than a season in which he is expected to challenge for race wins.

However, should Antonelli struggle to adapt to the demands of Formula 1, Mercedes appears to have a “Plan B” in place—Bottas. This move would reunite the Finn with George Russell, the very driver who replaced him at Mercedes in 2022. The prospect of Bottas once again racing for the Silver Arrows raises intriguing questions about how he would perform against his former teammate, particularly given the tension that existed during their time together.

Adding to the speculation, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has hinted that Bottas’ contract with Mercedes may contain specific provisions that facilitate a return to a full-time racing seat. If Antonelli fails to meet expectations, Bottas could seamlessly step in, providing the team with a proven, experienced driver who understands the Brackley-based outfit’s operations. Some reports even suggest that Bottas may secretly be hoping for Antonelli to struggle, as that would open the door for his resurgence in Formula 1.

Bottas’ future in the sport has been a major talking point, with the Finnish driver expressing a desire to return as a full-time competitor in 2026. Cadillac’s F1 entry has been considered a potential landing spot for him, but a Mercedes comeback would be an even bigger opportunity. Furthermore, reports indicate that Bottas has also been offered reserve roles at McLaren and Williams, both of whom use Mercedes power units. Sharing a reserve driver between teams is not unprecedented, as seen with Mick Schumacher’s role at Mercedes, McLaren, and Williams in previous seasons.

While Mercedes has yet to confirm any long-term plans regarding Bottas, the team’s strategic positioning suggests they are keeping their options open. Antonelli’s performance in 2025 will be closely monitored, and if he fails to meet expectations, Bottas could find himself back in an F1 race seat sooner than anticipated. The battle between Antonelli, Russell, and the lurking presence of Bottas could define Mercedes’ trajectory in the coming seasons, making this one of the most compelling storylines in Formula 1’s ongoing evolution.