Valtteri Bottas will return to Mercedes as the team’s new third driver for the 2025 season.

The veteran Finn, who lost his seat in next year’s Formula 1 after being released by Sauber, had been expected to return to Mercedes and work with Lewis Hamilton from 2017 to 2021. Lewis Hamilton, winning 10 races. Upward role.

Mick Schumacher has been the team’s reserve driver for the past two seasons, but the German announced his exit last month to pursue other opportunities in motorsport.

With Hamilton leaving the team to join Ferrari, 18-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli took over the vacant racing seat next to George Russell.

“I’m delighted to have finally answered the questions I’ve asked over the past month. The next step is to return to the Mercedes family as the third driver in 2025 and I couldn’t be happier,” said Bottas. In the final weeks of the season, he is keen to secure an F1 seat from 2026.

“I want to thank Toto (Wolf), the team at Blakely and everyone at the Three Stars for welcoming me back with open arms.

“Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know I can still contribute more to F1. My focus has been on achieving success since I was a five-year-old growing up in Nastola, Finland. To date, in my I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy many incredible moments during my 12 years in F1.

“As I return to the place where so many of my moments have been achieved, I look forward to using all the knowledge I’ve gained to help the team perform and move toward the goal of competing for a world championship.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said he was delighted to see the popular Finn return and described the 35-year-old’s impact on the team during his first five years with the team. Impact – During this time the team won the Constructors’ Championship in every event. Season – “Huge”.

“His technical feedback and input have been important in helping us achieve these successes and move the team forward,” Wolf added.

“Not only that, he was a fantastic colleague and team player. His dry sense of humor and personable nature endeared him to everyone in Brackley and Brixworth.

“All of these qualities are important in helping us compete for the world title and supporting George and Kimi on the right track.”

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