Bottas focused on Audi project, but open to Mercedes return

Valtteri Bottas says he wouldn’t reject a chance to go back to Mercedes in 2025 to replace his former Ferrari-bound teammate Lewis Hamilton, but the Finn insists his priority remains firmly with Stake F1 and its Audi project.

Bottas spent five successful years alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, securing ten Grand Prix victories and playing a crucial role in their championship dominance.

Despite being replaced by rising star George Russell in 2022, Bottas has evidently not forgotten his happy time with the Brackely squad.

Speaking on Monday at the unveiling of the Stake F1 Team’s C44 car in London, Bottas offered his thoughts on Hamilton's decision.

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"I never imagined it would happen but I am happy for him because it's good for him,” commented the Finn.

"I think it is a great challenge, I am sure it is a great motivation for him to bring Ferrari to the top so it's kind of cool.

"It will definitely create some movement for the future, which is good for the whole sport and for the drivers."

Coincidently, Bottas was spotted in Brackley last week when Formula 1 erupted with the news of Hamilton’s sensational transfer to Ferrari. So he was naturally asked about a potential return to his former team.

"It's no lie, I was in Brackley the day before - not at the Mercedes factory, but I was there doing some other stuff," explained Bottas.

"No, we haven't spoken on the phone yet with Toto. But if I would go back? Yeah... obviously my priority and biggest commitment is the Audi project, which is my target.

“But if that wouldn't happen, there is no team that I wouldn't go to, let's say. But I know my priorities."

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