Source: REUTERS/HAMAD I MOHAMMED
[Saba Sports News] Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas has returned to the Mercedes F1 team as a reserve driver for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli after losing his seat for 2025. Yesterday, Racing News 365 reported that in addition to waiting on standby for the Mercedes F1 team, Bottas could also serve as a reserve driver for both the Williams F1 team and McLaren F1 team. It is understood that there is a long-term arrangement between the Mercedes team and its customer teams, McLaren and Williams, allowing them to share Mercedes’ reserve drivers if needed. Although there is currently no formal agreement in place, even if the Mercedes team disagrees, McLaren and Williams could still use Bottas. Given Bottas’s extensive F1 experience, he would be a safe option if Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from McLaren or Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon from Williams are unable to participate. Bottas is seen as the most likely reserve driver to be called up for 2025.