Bottas sparks Cadillac rumors with cheeky ‘two free seats’ video

©Mercedes

40

In the world of motorsport where rumors swirl faster than a car around Monaco, Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has thrown some playful fuel on the fire.

The Finnish star, known for his cool demeanor and dry humor, took to social media on Monday with a tongue-in-cheek video that’s got his fans buzzing about his potential future with Cadillac F1, the American team set to join the grid in 2026.

With both seats with F1’s new entrant still officially open, Bottas decided to fan the flames in his own light-hearted way. The current Mercedes reserve driver was filmed inspecting a Cadillac SUV, delivering a not-so-subtle nod to his own name being in the mix.

“Nice seat... and they're both free?”

“Oh wow, that's actually a nice seat,” Bottas says as he admires the car’s leather interior. “It’s a great seat,” chimes in his friend and Mercedes photographer Ripke. Bottas agreed: “I wouldn’t mind.”

Then came the kicker.

Ripke notes, “There’s two seats.” To which Bottas shoots back, “And they’re both free?” After a playful pause, Ripke asks if he wants to try one out. Bottas grins: “Not yet,” seemingly tempting to add “Not until I sign my contract”.

The video comes amid speculation that Cadillac could be considering several F1 veterans – Bottas among them – for their 2026 debut.

While the 35-year-old Finn may be out of a race seat this year after parting ways with Sauber, he’s made it clear he’s not ready to hang up the helmet.

Still Hungry for More

“I’m sitting here now without a race seat, not because of my own choice,” Bottas said earlier this month on the Beyond The Grid podcast.

“I definitely still feel – and 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.

Read also:

Bottas: ‘My experience will help very interesting Cadillac project’

“I still have more to give. It’s still [the] number one thing in my life. That sensation, now that I’ve been watching aside, has got stronger and stronger and stronger, and now I really start to miss racing.”

Whether it’s a Cadillac seat or another surprise twist, one thing is clear: Bottas is still in the game – and still having fun while he’s at it.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

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.