Source: Action Images/John Marsh
[Saba Sports News] Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas has begun his first season as a reserve driver for the Mercedes team. Bottas stated that he has developed a clear plan and is confident about making a full return to F1, willing to do whatever it takes to make his comeback. After losing his seat at Alfa Romeo in November last year, Bottas signed a contract with his former employer, Mercedes, to serve as a reserve driver until 2025. However, the Finnish driver does not intend to end his F1 career this way. In an interview with Motorsport Weekly, Bottas admitted that at this stage of his career, a random one-year contract means little to him. If he has not secured a regular driver seat by 2026, he would definitely have to look for other opportunities, believing he can still achieve good results in other events. Bottas mentioned many examples where reserve drivers have successfully returned, citing Nico Hulkenberg, who was absent from F1 for three years before his comeback in 2023. Bottas is confident that as long as he regains his habit and feel for driving, he can return to F1.