Bottas back in the driver’s seat with… McLaren!

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Valtteri Bottas was back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car on Wednesday, taking part in a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The 10-time Grand Prix winner drove McLaren’s 2023 challenger, the MCL60, as part of his duties as Mercedes’ reserve driver.

After months away from the F1 grind, Bottas seized the chance to shake off the rust and feel the rush of Mercedes power once more, all while lending his expertise to a rival squad in papaya orange.

A Finn in Papaya Land

For Bottas, the day was a reunion of sorts – not just with the thrill of an F1 car, but with the Mercedes engine that propelled him to 10 Grand Prix victories during his tenure with the Brackley squad alongside Lewis Hamilton.

“Nice to be back with Mercedes power today,” he wrote on social media.

As Mercedes' official reserve driver for 2024, Bottas is set to attend all 24 races on the calendar, therefore making him a valuable asset for any of the three Mercedes-powered teams – McLaren, Williams, and his primary employer.

McLaren has a history of sharing reserve drivers with Mercedes, previously having access to Mick Schumacher, while Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne were available to both teams in 2021.

Now, with McLaren battling at the sharp end of the Constructors' Championship, having an experienced driver like Bottas on standby could be crucial.

A Potential F1 Comeback on the Horizon?

Although currently a reserve driver, Bottas remains motivated to return to the grid as a full-time competitor, so his sights are set on securing a seat for 2026.

The most likely avenue for Bottas’ return could be with the new GM-backed Cadillac entry, which is set to join the grid next season as Formula 1’s 11th team.

The American outfit has emphasized the need for experienced drivers, placing Bottas in direct competition with the likes of Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu for a coveted spot.

For now, Bottas remains in the Mercedes family, sharpening his skills with McLaren, and staying prepared for any opportunity that may come his way this year.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.