Valtteri Bottas is already plotting a potential return to the Formula 1 grid, with an eye on a seat at Cadillac's new team entry for 2026.
The Finn, who parted ways with Audi-owned Sauber at the end of the 2024 season, has officially been confirmed as Mercedes' reserve driver for 2025.
"Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I've still got so much more to contribute to F1," Bottas said in an official Mercedes statement, reporting from Australia where he is currently on holiday.
The 35-year-old, a former race winner with Mercedes, views the reserve role as a chance to stay relevant in the F1 paddock while keeping his options open for the future.
One opportunity is the highly anticipated Cadillac F1 team, which will debut in 2026. Bottas hinted that preliminary discussions have already taken place, particularly as he has a long-standing relationship with Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon, formerly of Marussia.
"I think there will be opportunities," Bottas told Ilta Sanomat. "2026 is my goal. The plans of the teams are still open and there is an eleventh team coming in which is really exciting."
"I have known Graeme for a long time," Bottas added. "I would guess they need experience because they have a lot of work to do. Cadillac would be one option for me."
For Bottas, the prospect of helping to build a team from scratch holds particular appeal. "At this point in my career, I still have a lot to give to the sport. Building a team from scratch would be really interesting. It is motivating and rewarding if you achieve your goals by working together."
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo, another name linked to the Cadillac team, appears to have ruled himself out of contention.
When asked about the possibility of driving for Cadillac during a fan interaction at a pop-up shop for his fashion brand Enchante in New York, the Australian said: "Nah I'm done."
Bottas, however, is leaving all doors open. "2026 is my goal," he reiterated. "I think it will be a very exciting season."
