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Valtteri Bottas confirms he’s open to joining another F1 team before Cadillac move

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Archer | Last updated Aug 3, 2025 12:38 PM ET

Valtteri Bottas is eyeing a return to the Formula 1 grid, and there is a chance he could be back before his expected move to Cadillac ahead of their 2026 debut.

The Finn has become the frontrunner to lead Cadillac into F1 after the sport confirmed that General Motors would join as the 11th team. Reports have suggested that Bottas has already agreed to terms with the new team.

Even though Bottas has not officially signed with the American team, talks are ongoing, and both sides are working through the final details of his contract. The 35-year-old has mentioned he wants clarity by August as he looks to secure his return.

Bottas is not part of the 2025 grid – a first since his debut with Williams in 2013. He was left without a seat after Audi decided not to renew his deal with Sauber following the end of the 2024 season. However, he could return sooner than many expected.

Valtteri Bottas open to short-term Alpine role before potential Cadillac move

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Bottas returned to Mercedes this year as a reserve driver, a role he previously held between 2017 and 2021, to remain connected with the paddock. Now, with an eye on a full-time seat, the 20-time polesitter has hinted at the possibility of a ‘short-term’ return to racing in 2025.

While nothing is set in stone with Cadillac yet, there is growing speculation that Bottas could step in at Alpine during the 2025 season. Franco Colapinto’s position remains under scrutiny as the 22-year-old continues to face questions about his place at Enstone following Jack Doohan’s departure.

TEAM	DRIVER 1	DRIVER 2
Alpine	Pierre Gasly	N/A
Aston Martin	Fernando Alonso	Lance Stroll
Audi	Gabriel Bortoleto	Nico Hulkenberg
Cadillac	N/A	N/A
Ferrari	Charles Leclerc	Lewis Hamilton
Haas	Esteban Ocon	Oliver Bearman
McLaren	Lando Norris	Oscar Piastri
Mercedes	N/A	N/A
Racing Bulls	N/A	N/A
Red Bull Racing	Max Verstappen	N/A
Williams	Alex Albon	Carlos Sainz

2026 confirmed F1 drivers

If Alpine decides during the summer break that a change is needed, Bottas could be brought in before his expected move to Cadillac. The Finn has now signalled his openness to such an arrangement by confirming he would consider a short-term deal.

“I want to be back on the grid. That’s my goal. Hopefully I’ll know what’s next in August. I’m looking at something long-term, but something short-term would also be OK. Discussions are taking place. There’ll be more time to talk in August,” Bottas told Sky Germany.

Valtteri Bottas to Cadillac F1 in 2026 ‘settled’, according to Ralf Schumacher

If Alpine do decide to bring in Bottas as a replacement for Colapinto, it would likely be a short-term fix, given that the former Mercedes driver has reportedly already agreed to join Cadillac for the 2026 season. According to Ralf Schumacher, the move is “settled,” with only the identity of his future teammate still up in the air.

Speaking on Sky Germany, Schumacher said: “I think it’s good for such a new team to have at least one experienced driver like Valtteri Bottas. From what we hear, that’s settled. We’re curious about the number two.”

Cadillac have not finalised who will line up alongside Bottas yet and are said to be considering whether they want another experienced driver or they would prefer someone younger with long-term potential.

Bottas is expected to provide some stability, and there’s talk that Felipe Drugovich could be brought in as his partner. The Brazilian is seen as someone who could develop into a team leader over time.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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