Valtteri Bottas has revealed that he is in discussions with his former team boss, Toto Wolff, about rejoining Mercedes in a reserve role for the 2025 season.
The 34-year-old Finn will not be retained by Audi-owned Sauber for 2025, and with no other vacancies left on the grid—aside from Sergio Perez's uncertain seat at Red Bull—a reserve position appears to be Bottas' most realistic option.
"I have a feeling that not everyone at Red Bull likes me for some reason," Bottas smiled after the Las Vegas GP, speaking to Finnish broadcaster MTV. "So that's hardly an option."
Bottas, who partnered with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes between 2017 and 2021 and achieved 10 wins, acknowledged that a reserve seat could open the door for a return to racing in 2026.
When asked about his interest in potentially joining the likely new Cadillac team in 2026, Bottas replied: "Yes, could be."
Wolff confirmed just days ago that Mercedes would consider themselves "lucky" to bring Bottas back, with contract discussions already underway between their respective legal teams.
"We have discussed," Bottas admitted. "We've been talking for quite a long time, but of course this weekend we've been focusing a lot on the race.
"But nice words from him, and I'm sure we'll be in touch again soon. Of course, I want to look at all my cards, but when you look at that (Mercedes option), there are many positive things. To return to the Mercedes family—a great team.
"And it's a great brand that can create a lot of opportunities for the future. So, yes, that is an option, and I'm grateful that there are some who are willing to take me on for that role."
Taking up a reserve role would represent a significant shift for Bottas, who has almost 250 grands prix and 67 podiums to his name. The Finn acknowledged the challenge of being a full-time reserve, attending all 24 races next season as a backup driver.
"That's the thing," Bottas said. "If (the reserve) isn't at all the races and something happens and you're not there, you don't get the chance.
"You have to think about things like that, and you also have to talk about them with the team. I'm still trying to think about what comes next."
