Bottas eyeing 2026 F1 comeback: ‘I still have a few years in me’

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Ten-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas is targeting a full-time return to the grid in 2026, with the Finn actively exploring opportunities, with the incoming Cadillac F1 team emerging as an enticing prospect.

After being dropped by Sauber at the end of 2024 – capping a disappointing season in which the team finished last in the standings – Bottas accepted a reserve role at Mercedes for 2025.

But the 35-year-old F1 veteran believes he still has “a few years” left to give to the sport, and he’s ready to commit to a long-term project that could reshape his legacy.

Keeping the Door Open

“My aim is to be racing again,” Bottas told TopGear.com. “So that means I’ve got to be aware of what is happening [in the driver market].

“Of course I'm here [in Miami] focused on my job, but at the same time… gotta keep my ears and eyes open.”

Bottas, who scored all of his F1 wins with Mercedes and played a key role in five constructors’ titles alongside Lewis Hamilton, remains confident he has more to contribute.

“I'm not content,” he said. “I still feel like I definitely have a few years in me, and more to give to the sport. That’s my feeling.

“But again, it's a sport that is hard to predict how things are going to unfold and if you’re gonna get another chance or not.”

Cadillac’s New Project Could Be the Perfect Fit

Among the options Bottas is considering is the Cadillac F1 team, which will debut in 2026.

The American manufacturer’s project, which will be powered by Ferrari engines until 2029, was unveiled at a high-profile Miami event last weekend and has been linked to several drivers, including Sergio Perez.

Bottas, however, believes the team’s fresh start could align with his vision for the next phase of his career.

“Cadillac is a new team joining the sport, which is exciting,” Bottas said. “What would be motivating for me is to get into a project, you know? Commit to X amount of years with clear targets. That's what I need at this point.

“I don't see the point of just doing one season just to be in Formula 1. But what I feel like I need is a clear project. And I think it’s a good example with a new team, that would be quite refreshing, when you can really start from scratch.

“But at the same time, if a place opens up in a car that you can fight for good points or even podiums or wins, then of course I would be happy to. But it's quite tricky at the moment to see how things are unfolding.”

While Bottas’ future in F1 is still uncertain, his intent is clear: he wants back on the grid, not just to compete, but to be part of something meaningful.

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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.