Valtteri Bottas has secured a position as Mercedes' reserve driver for 2025, marking his return to the team where he previously won 10 races between 2017 and 2021. This move follows his departure from Stake Sauber, which opted for a new driver lineup of Nico Hulkenberg and Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.

Bottas will serve as backup to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. "Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I've still got so much more to contribute to F1," said Bottas, who has been racing in Formula 1 for 12 years.

The Finnish driver expressed enthusiasm about his return, emphasizing his commitment to helping Mercedes regain its championship-winning form. "As I return to the place where so many of those moments were achieved, I'm looking forward to using all the knowledge I've gained to help the team perform and progress towards our goal of fighting for world championships."

Team Principal Toto Wolff highlighted Bottas' significant contributions during his previous stint with Mercedes, noting his role in securing five constructors' championships. "His technical feedback and input were important in helping us to those successes and pushing the team forward," Wolff stated, also praising Bottas' personal qualities and their importance in his new role supporting both Russell and Antonelli.

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