Valtteri Bottas Confirms Recent Alpine Negotiations

For several months now, the 10-time race winner has been on Cadillac’s radar for next year.

In recent weeks, however, Bottas is understood to have risen on the American team’s shortlist as contract discussions have continued.

With Cadillac searching for an experienced driver to guide them in their first F1 years, Bottas meets many of their criteria.

Alongside this established interest, Alpine have also enquired about the 35-year-old’s services.

With Franco Colapinto yet to convince Flavio Briatore since returning to the grid, his position at team Enstone is under constant evaluation.

Speaking to Viaplay in Silverstone, Bottas confirmed that he’s been in talks with Alpine.

“Yes, you could say that,”, per nextgen-auto.

“He [Flavio Briatore] first showed interest through Toto.

“A short stint somewhere, will that help me in any way? I don’t know. The focus is really on 2026 onwards.

“I believe that there will probably be more talk about next year than this year.

“The situation is that discussions have taken place.

“It’s just talk and discussions. I’ve learned, especially last year, that nothing is certain in this sport until the names are on paper.

“At the moment, we are exploring all the options.”

Contracts discussions escalate heading into the summer break

The next race on the calendar is the Belgian GP, which is just under three weeks away.

This gives teams and drivers some time to continue and – in some cases – finalise contract negotiations.

Cadillac have repeatedly signalled they are in no rush to reach an agreement with any driver. Their approach, understandably, is to ensure they assess all potential candidates before making any commitments.

Meanwhile, Alpine’s driver situation has now become relevant for Valtteri Bottas.

Flavio Briatore’s doubts over Franco Colapinto could result in two very different scenarios. On one hand, it is certainly possible that Colapinto puts together some good results and cements himself at Enstone.

On the other, Briatore might lose patience in the 22-year-old and try to pursue Bottas.

Critically, the Mercedes reserve driver will want security in his next F1 deal. As he eluded to in Silverstone, joining a team mid-season is not necessarily the priority – especially without guarantees for 2026 and beyond.

Then again, should Alpine try to pursue the Finn, it is not unfeasible they offer him a multi-year deal.

In any case, Bottas will be extremely busy this summer as he works to secure his future in Formula 1.