Valtteri Bottas, a familiar face on the Formula 1 grid, is actively pursuing a surprising return to top-tier racing for the 2025 F1 season, a year earlier than his widely anticipated move to Cadillac Racing for their 2026 debut. This unexpected development has ignited considerable speculation within the F1 driver market.

For months, Bottas has been positioned as the leading candidate to spearhead General Motors’ ambitious entry into Formula 1 as the sport’s 11th team, operating under the Cadillac Racing banner. Reports have consistently suggested that the experienced Finn has already reached a preliminary agreement, ready to lead the team into their inaugural 2026 campaign.

Bottas found himself without a guaranteed seat for the 2025 F1 season after Audi opted against renewing his contract with Sauber following the conclusion of the 2024 championship. To maintain his crucial connection with the paddock, he rejoined Mercedes as a reserve driver, a role he previously held during his tenure with the Silver Arrows from 2017 to 2021.

Now, with a renewed focus on securing a full-time racing seat, the 20-time polesitter has openly acknowledged the potential for a ‘short-term’ return to competition in 2025. He indicated that definitive news regarding his future could emerge as early as August, suggesting ongoing high-level discussions.

Amidst the unfolding F1 driver market dynamics, growing whispers suggest that Bottas could potentially step into a vacant seat at Alpine during the 2025 season. This speculation intensified as Franco Colapinto’s position at the Enstone-based squad reportedly faces scrutiny, particularly following Jack Doohan’s departure.

Should Alpine indeed seek a change during the upcoming summer break, a move for Bottas would likely serve as a temporary solution, primarily due to his widely reported long-term commitment to Cadillac for the 2026 season. Industry figures, including Ralf Schumacher, have strongly implied that the Cadillac deal is all but finalized.

Cadillac Racing, while seemingly secure with Bottas as their anchor driver, is still in the process of determining his future teammate. Discussions are reportedly underway to decide whether to pair him with another seasoned veteran or to invest in a younger driver with significant long-term potential, such as the promising Felipe Drugovich, aiming to build a stable foundation for their F1 future.