The F1 world is currently flooded with rumours of Valtteri Bottas making a potential comeback at Red Bull. Bottas, a ten-time grand prix winner and former Mercedes driver, found himself without a race seat for the 2025 season after Sauber decided to sign an all-new lineup. He recently made it clear that he is not finished with F1 and is actively seeking a full-time comeback in 2026 while he serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2025.
Why Is The Rumour Of Valtteri Bottas Joining Red Bull Circulating?
The rumours of Bottas joining Red Bull gained popularity after Bottas himself pitched the idea. As of now, neither Liam Lawson nor Yuki Tsunoda have proved themselves deserving of a full-time seat at Red Bull. Red Bull’s reputation for frequently changing their drivers when dissatisfied further fueled the rumours.
Valtteri Bottas said, “I don’t know if they look outside their academy. It’s a tough one because it seems like it’s not an easy car to drive. Obviously, Max is doing the job. He’s really pushing almost beyond the limits of the car, and whoever has been alongside him hasn’t looked great.”
“But I just wonder if that car, to be driven fast, needs a driver with experience, so I don’t know,” he added with a laugh.
“That’s my speculation. But, I think they know that I’m keen to race. They know that I would be available for next year, but I don’t know their mindset on that.” he added
So what happens now? Will Red Bull sign Valtteri Bottas for 2026? Or rely on one of the rookies to be a good partner to their star driver, Max Verstappen? Let’s take a look at the possibilities.
Will Valtteri Bottas Join Red Bull Or Is There Any Other Possibility?
Bottas has openly stated his availability and interest in racing with Red Bull for the 2026 season, arguing that Red Bull might benefit from an experienced driver, rather than a rookie, especially given the struggles of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in adapting to the challenging car.
However, he also acknowledged a significant obstacle, which is the lack of support from Red Bull, especially Helmut Marko, since the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix crash.
Red Bull has historically favoured promoting rookies from its junior academy, rarely taking an outsider like Sergio Perez in 2021. However, they’re also infamous for changing their drivers if the performance isn’t up to the mark, which leaves us with the possibility of Bottas joining Red Bull for 2026.
Valtteri Bottas “Exploring” Midflied Teams
Bottas is also exploring options with the midfield teams, where his experience could be invaluable, especially since the new regulations may change the grid in 2026. Alpine has emerged as a potential destination, and his own statements have confirmed that talks have been ongoing between his management and Alpine, though nothing is confirmed.
Arrival Of Cadillac: A New Opportunity
The arrival of Cadillac as a new F1 team in 2026 presents another opportunity for Valtteri Bottas to make a comeback on the F1 grid in 2026. Cadillac is actively seeking one driver with enough F1 experience for its debut, and Bottas fits the shoe.
Bottas also recently talked about the project, stating, “For me, I actually see a very interesting project, something new to F1, an American team with maybe a different view to the sport. I think they have a few drivers on the list. I would imagine my experience will help because now I’ve raced in three different teams, with one of the teams having mega success. With Williams as well, we had some great results, so I hope I’m in a good position.”
Will Valtteri Bottas Leave F1?
Now, a possibility no one will see coming. Bottas leaves F1 or remains a reserve driver. If none of the above things are possible, he will be forced to continue as a reserve driver or probably even a mentor, as he currently does at Mercedes. If that also doesn’t happen, he may step away from F1 entirely, in which case, we will lose an invaluable and iconic driver in the upcoming season.
While Valtteri Bottas’ name has been linked to a potential Red Bull comeback, the reality is that such a move will face significant resistance within the team. Ultimately, while a Red Bull comeback appears unlikely, the next few months will be crucial for teams as they finalise their lineup, and Bottas remains a favourite to be picked.
Also Read: Max Verstappen’s Penalties Explained: Every Incident That Brought Him To The Edge
