Valtteri Bottas has set his sights on a return to the Formula 1 grid in 2026, confirming his interest in joining the new Cadillac F1 team. The Finn lost his Sauber drive in November 2024 and is currently serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes while also mentoring the team’s rookie, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
A fresh start after Sauber exit
Bottas’ departure from Sauber came as the team, preparing for its transition to Audi in 2026, opted to sign Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto instead. Reflecting on his time at Sauber, the 10-time Grand Prix winner admitted that joining the team had been a “mistake.”
With his F1 career at a crossroads, Bottas returned to Mercedes in a reserve role, the team where he achieved all his victories. Despite this temporary position, his focus remains on securing a full-time seat for 2026.
Cadillac’s entry into F1 and driver search
On 7 March 2025, Cadillac officially announced its entry into the 2026 F1 season, with Team Principal Graeme Lowdon emphasising the team’s ambition to be competitive from the outset. Cadillac has already assembled a strong technical team, including former Renault engineers Nick Chester and Pat Symonds. Over 200 staff members are working on the project.
The search for drivers will be a crucial next step for the American outfit. Lowdon clarified that selections will be made on merit, but he also acknowledged the possibility of an American driver joining in the future.
“For sure we’re going to hire drivers based on merit,” Lowdon stated. “But as such, we see no reason why we won’t have American drivers in time. There’s nothing preventing a driver [from] being selected on merit and being American.”
Bottas eyes a Cadillac comeback
While attending the Adelaide Motorsport Festival ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Bottas confirmed he has expressed interest in joining Cadillac’s F1 project. When asked if he was considering the move, the Finn gave a firm “yes.”
“When I learned at the end of last year that I’m not going to be on the grid for 2025, immediately I knew that I’m not done yet, this is not how it ends,” Bottas said. “So my target is to be back on the grid and like I said earlier, that’s one opportunity and of course we’re talking, but let’s see what happens.”
Photo Credit: Stake Sauber F1 Team
