After over a decade in Formula One, Valtteri Bottas is not ready to close the chapter on his racing dream. Citing Cadillac as an option in 2026.
The 35-year-old Finnish driver found himself without a race seat for the 2025 season. Following Kick Sauber’s decision to switch up its driver line-up, Bottas has emphasised that he has unfinished business in F1. Currently, Bottas remains the test and reserve driver for Mercedes, a team and driver that share much history. However, the 10-time Grand Prix winner has set his sights on 2026.
Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, he confirmed his passion for motorsport has remained the same.
“I’m sitting here now without a race seat, not because of my own choice.”
“I still feel – that emotion was quite quick after I knew I wouldn’t get a seat for this year – that I’m not done yet with F1.”
A career that deserves a happy ending
Since his debut in 2013 with Williams, Bottas has created a reputation for being one of Formula 1’s most reliable drivers. Particularly with his time at Mercedes. Throughout the five-season campaign, the Finnish driver brought multiple wins, poles. But most importantly, he played a significant role in securing Constructors’ Championships for the team alongside Lewis Hamilton.
However, Bottas’ most recent stint in the sport with Sauber was marked by inconsistency and a car that struggled to match the Finn’s capabilities. Despite the often poor performances, Bottas believes that he was driving his best toward the end of 2024.
“End of last year – some qualifying, some races – I felt like I was performing at my best ever.”
He further emphasised that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level
“I haven’t felt any degradation in myself yet.”
Cadillac and Valtteri Bottas
One of the most intriguing opportunities for Bottas lies in the incoming Cadillac F1 team. The American team are set to join the grid in 2026. Backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, they present a rare chance for a veteran driver to help build a team from scratch.
Bottas hasn’t confirmed any formal talks but described the project as ‘very interesting’. One in which he believes his experience will be critical in building the team.
“I think they have a few drivers on the list. I would imagine my experience will help because now I’ve raced in three different teams… With Williams as well, we had some great results, so I hope I’m in a good position.”
For Cadillac, a driver like Bottas has not only proven pace and race craft, but the Finn also holds an insight into the sport. One that can help the development of the team, particularly with the technical regulation changes in 2026.
“If I were there as a driver, it would be very interesting because you can start from scratch.”
“You could make a big influence on certain things, which direction to go, and that would be very motivating and rewarding when the success comes.”
Balancing patience and the desire to return
Both parties are remaining measured in their approach to 2026. With Cadillac expected not to rush into choosing a driver, Bottas remains hopeful that his proven track record will give him an edge.
This calm persona isn’t new for Bottas, whose career has always been defined by being resilient and calm behind the wheel. Whether he was battling for wins and podiums with Mercedes or points with Sauber, he has remained focused on his and the team’s goals.
But the hunger for a 2026 seat stems from the pain of watching from the sidelines.
“That sensation, now that I’ve been watching aside, has got stronger and stronger and stronger… Now I really start to miss racing.”
The end or beginning of an era for Bottas
For now, Bottas remains a test and reserve driver with Mercedes. He has ensured fans and teams know his love for the sport has not wavered. Whether it’s a seat with a Cadillac or another team on the grid, the veteran is determined to give all he has to this sport.
“It’s (Formula 1) still the number one thing in my life. I still have more to give.”
