F1 News: Valtteri Bottas Lays Out Contract Conditions For Mercedes Return
Valtteri Bottas has specified his terms for a potential return to Mercedes, contingent on a long-term contract offer. The Finnish driver's current tenure with Sauber, now known as Stake F1, concludes at the end of 2024, opening up possibilities for the 2025 season.
Key Takeaways:
- Valtteri Bottas is open to a Mercedes comeback but insists on a multi-year contract, rejecting short-term engagements.
- Bottas asserts his willingness to adapt for a title-challenging opportunity, albeit without compromising his individuality.
Mercedes Press Image
Following Lewis Hamilton's announced departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari, speculation has arisen about who will take up the mantle alongside George Russell. Among the contenders, Valtteri Bottas emerges as a potential candidate, given his successful stint with Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, where he played a pivotal role in securing championship victories.
In an extensive interview with PlanetF1.com, Bottas addressed the rumours, humorously noting that he hasn't been contacted by Mercedes' team principal, Toto Wolff, regarding a reunion. With his contract at Sauber concluding after the 2024 season, Bottas is poised for negotiations, expressing openness to a Mercedes dialogue if it involves a long-term commitment. The Finnish driver commented:
“No, actually [haven't heard from Toto Wolff]! I think he’s been busy. Nothing so far!
“[I'd] only [return to Mercedes] if it was a lot more than a one-year contract.
“If it was a one-year deal, then it wouldn’t make sense for me. But, for long-term, of course there could be a discussion.”
Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff has remained adamant that he will not rush into deciding who will fill the spot left by Hamilton. Other names mentioned have been Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Alpine driver Esteban Ocon, Williams' Alex Albon, and most recently three-time champion Max Verstappen.