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Key Points

Toto Wolff has publicly endorsed Valtteri Bottas for a Formula 1 return despite his current reserve role at Mercedes. The Mercedes team principal highlighted Bottas' exceptional pace and reliability, stating he could jump in the car immediately if needed. Speculation is growing that Bottas could join the new Cadillac F1 team set to debut in 2026. Bottas himself has expressed interest in the Cadillac project, noting the appeal of building a team from scratch during major rule changes.

Key Points: Toto Wolff Backs Valtteri Bottas F1 Return Amid Cadillac Links

  • Bottas dropped off F1 grid after losing Sauber seat in 2024
  • Wolff praises Bottas' reliability and immediate race pace
  • Cadillac F1 Team set to debut in 2026 season
  • Bottas attracted to building new team from scratch
  • Sergio Perez also linked with Cadillac drive
  • 2026 rule changes present opportunity for new teams
3 min read

Formula 1: Toto Wolff backs Bottas to return to circuit amid Cadillac links

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff supports Valtteri Bottas' F1 comeback as Finn eyes 2026 Cadillac seat. Wolff praises Bottas' pace and reliability.

"If some of our guys had fish poisoning, you put him in the car and he's going to be absolutely on pace - Toto Wolff"

New Delhi, Aug 21

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has thrown his weight behind Valtteri Bottas’s bid to return to Formula 1, as speculation grows around the Finn’s potential move to the new Cadillac F1 Team ahead of their debut in the 2026 season.

Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner, dropped off the F1 grid at the end of 2024 after losing his seat at Sauber. He rejoined Mercedes in a reserve role, working alongside George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, while also contributing heavily through simulator work and trackside support for the Silver Arrows – the team he previously raced for between 2017 and 2021.

Despite being off the grid, Wolff stressed that Bottas remains as quick and reliable as ever. “Valtteri has been part of the Mercedes family for a long, long time,” Wolff said in a mid-season review video released on Mercedes’ social media channels.

“He is a driver that, if some of our guys had fish poisoning, you put him in the car and he’s going to be absolutely on [the] pace. That’s great to know that your reserve and third driver are as quick as it gets. But obviously, with Valtteri, he deserves a race seat. Hopefully, that door is going to open. Watch this space.”

The “door” Wolff hinted at could well be with Cadillac, who are set to enter F1 in 2026 with backing from TWG Motorsports and General Motors, under the leadership of former Virgin Racing/Marussia boss Graeme Lowdon. Bottas himself has already admitted that the project has caught his attention.

“[It’s] something new to F1, an American team with maybe a different view to the sport,” Bottas told F1’s Beyond The Grid podcast earlier this year.

“If I were there as a driver, it would be actually very interesting because you can start from scratch. The team starts from zero. You could actually make a big influence on certain things, such as the direction to go, and that would be very motivating and rewarding when the success comes.

“I think the rule change is always a good point to jump in because you just never know, if you suddenly get it right, you might actually be doing really well from the get-go.”

Cadillac are yet to confirm either of its drivers for 2026, but alongside Bottas, former Red Bull racer and six-time Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez has also been strongly linked with the team.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian F1 fan, I'd love to see Bottas back on grid. His experience would be perfect for a new team like Cadillac. Plus, more teams means more excitement! 🏎️
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Aditya G
Honestly, while Bottas is good, I think Cadillac should consider younger talent. F1 needs fresh blood, not just recycling the same drivers. Just my opinion!
Nikhil C
Toto's support shows how much Mercedes values Bottas. That "fish poisoning" comment though 😂 Only Toto can say that! Hope VB gets his seat soon.
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Sarah B
American team entering F1 is exciting! Bottas would be a solid choice to help build the team from ground up. His experience with top teams would be invaluable.
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Karthik V
️2026 regulation changes could really shake things up. Perfect timing for new teams and experienced drivers like Bottas to make an impact. F1 needs more competition!

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