‘The Sky’s the Limit’: Valtteri Bottas Embraces Fresh Start With Cadillac in F1

‘I Feel Like a Kid’

Speaking in a bonus episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Bottas admitted that the reality of his return only just hit him. “I signed a while ago but for me, once we had the announcement in New York, that’s really when it hit me,” he explained.

“It’s almost the same feeling as when I started, like I’m an F1 driver again, so it feels great. I feel like a kid.”

He also added that Cadillac’s project offers him the chance to help build something from the ground up. For a driver with 12 full seasons, 10 race wins, and experience at Williams, Mercedes and Alfa Romeo, that challenge seems to have reignited his passion.

Still, Bottas is careful not to set unrealistic targets. For him, success in the opening season is not about podiums or wins but about laying foundations.

He has set himself simple goals: be on the grid for the first race, finish strongly, and then grow step by step. In his view, progress will be measured by stability and steady development, rather than instant results.

The 35-year-old is also keen to use his knowledge to guide Cadillac through the tricky early years. He has seen what works in F1 and what does not, and he knows that experience could prove as valuable as pure speed.

Mercedes Willing To Be Flexible

At the same time, Bottas remains contracted to Mercedes as a reserve driver until the end of 2025. But team boss Toto Wolff has already given his blessing for him to begin working with Cadillac ahead of their debut.

That means Bottas will continue supporting Mercedes when required while slowly shifting his focus towards his future team, and he has faith in them:

“The sky’s the limit for the team…They’re serious. They’re not here to finish last. And that is really encouraging and good to see.”

The move represents more than just a new seat. For Bottas, it is a chance to be part of history, driving for a manufacturer determined to make its mark in Formula 1.