Valtteri Bottas looks set to rejoin the Mercedes team in 2025, following the announcement of his departure from Audi-owned Sauber.
Rumours swirling in Las Vegas suggest that the Finn, who won 10 grands prix during his time as Lewis Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes, could return not only as a reserve driver but also as an advisor to team boss Toto Wolff.
Finnish-language Viaplay reporter Mervi Kallio, present at the Las Vegas GP, said: "There is a strong desire to get Bottas back on the team. They would really love to have Bottas back in their family."
Kallio confirmed she had just spoken directly to Wolff about the possibility of Bottas' return. "He would be an absolutely excellent reserve driver," she said after speaking to the Austrian team boss.
Beyond the Formula 1 paddock, Bottas is also being linked to a race seat in the world endurance championship (WEC), with Mercedes-AMG teaming up with Iron Lynx in the LMGT3 category for 2025.
Adding a humorous note, Kallio revealed that Wolff joked about Bottas' readiness to jump into an F1 car immediately if needed. "You never know, if both Mercedes drivers ate spoiled fish, Valtteri would be ready to jump in the car right away," Wolff said, according to the reporter.
