Finnish Formula 1 legend Valtteri Bottas has achieved an unexpected milestone: he has been officially confirmed as a Red Bull Racing driver for the 2026 season. The news has shocked the motorsport world and opened a new chapter in the history of Finnish F1. Bottas’ move to Red Bull not only represents a new milestone in his career, but also the opportunity to wear the Finnish colours again at the highest level of F1. This long-awaited move is now a reality, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting what the future holds.
Bottas, 36, from Nastola, is known for his calm and determined driving style. His career began with Williams in 2013, but his real success came with Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, where he drove alongside Lewis Hamilton and won ten races. During those years, Bottas demonstrated his ability to be a reliable second driver, but also to challenge the best drivers. His move to Sauber for the 2022 season did not produce the desired results, and the 2024 season ended without a point, casting doubt on his chances of returning to the top. However, his return to Mercedes as a reserve driver for 2025 kept him in F1, and his perseverance is now paying off.
Red Bull’s decision to hire Bottas has been widely debated. The team’s second driver position has been problematic due to Max Verstappen’s dominance. Attempts by Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda to fill the vacancy have not fully convinced the team’s management. Bottas’ experience and adaptability to the second driver role make him the ideal choice. Bottas himself commented on the decision, saying he is ready to bring his experience to Red Bull and help the team fight for the championship. According to him, the Red Bull car requires experience from the driver to reach its full potential, and he believes he is the ideal person for the role.
Bottas’ move to Red Bull has not been easy. He has previously hinted that some members of the team, possibly including consultant Helmut Marko, had reservations about him. Marko’s comments may have been influenced by the first-lap crash at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, which severely damaged Verstappen’s car. However, Bottas’ persistence and active negotiations with his management team have clearly tipped the scales in his favour. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has praised Bottas’ professionalism and believes his experience will bring stability to the driver line-up.
For Finnish F1 fans, this news is a real Christmas present. Finland has long been a motorsport powerhouse, thanks to legends such as Kimi Räikkönen and Mika Häkkinen. Bottas’ move to Red Bull puts Finland back on the F1 map, and his status as one of the most experienced drivers in the sport suggests a promising future. The Red Bull car has been one of the fastest in the sport in recent years, and alongside Verstappen, Bottas has the opportunity to challenge for a podium finish, or even victory if conditions are right.
Bottas’ career has been full of challenges, but his determination has made him a fan favourite. His easy-going attitude, sense of humour and passion for motorsport are evident both on and off the track. For example, his love of coffee and cycling have connected him with his fans, and his brands, such as the launch of his own gin and wine, are testament to his versatility. His move to Red Bull gives Bottas the opportunity to demonstrate that he still has something to offer F1.
The 2026 season will also bring a breath of fresh air to F1 with the arrival of Cadillac. Bottas had already been in contact with Cadillac, but Red Bull’s offer was apparently too good to refuse. His role at Red Bull could be decisive not only for the team’s success, but also for the further development of his own career. In Finland, the start of the season is already eagerly awaited, and Bottas’ blue and white Red Bull helmet is a sight to make any Finn’s heart race.
