Valtteri Bottas has acknowledged that a return to Mercedes could be a viable backup plan for 2025, confirming rumors about potential alternatives if his priority of staying in a race seat doesn't pan out.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher recently stated that Bottas may be considered for a Mercedes test driver role next year.
"Firstly, the priority is to stay as a race driver - that's what I want," Bottas emphasized. "And that's what I'm pushing for with Mattia (Binotto)."
Binotto, now the head of Audi's F1 project, is reportedly weighing Bottas' experience against younger drivers like Franco Colapinto or Gabriel Bortoleto, leading to a delay in finalizing Nico Hulkenberg's 2025 teammate at Sauber. Both Colapinto and Bortoleto have ties to Williams and McLaren, respectively, and any potential deal would require careful negotiations regarding their contracts - explaining the current delay.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown hinted at the complexity surrounding Bortoleto's future, stating: "We're very happy, obviously, with our two drivers, and we would never want to hold a racing driver back in his career. So we'll kind of see how things play out."
Franco Colapinto, who has been linked to both Audi-Sauber and Red Bull's junior team RB, has remained optimistic despite the challenges. "From the (race) seat point of view, I think it's looking very tough for next year," he said, acknowledging that Williams team principal James Vowles has been actively discussing the matter. Colapinto joked, "But maybe you should ask James, he's been speaking a lot about it," during a recent appearance on The Fast and The Curious podcast.
Kevin Magnussen, who is departing Haas, is also rumored to be in contention for the Audi-Sauber seat but has been more strongly linked with a move to Indycar or a non-driving role with Haas. "On paper, there is a chance," he commented about the possibility of joining Audi-Sauber. "Otherwise, I don't have any plans for next year. We've talked with Haas about doing something together, but it won't be racing. So who knows what will happen."
For now, Bottas is left waiting on Binotto's decision, which is expected by mid-November. However, he remains open to other possibilities, including a potential return to Mercedes.
"As I don't have anything signed - and we're in October - I've got to look at all the alternatives, including going back to the Mercedes family. That's for sure one option and I would consider it," he concluded.
