In 2025, there will be no Valtteri Bottas on the grid in Formula 1. After 12 seasons, the Finn finds himself on the sidelines and without a steering wheel… but he will not be absent from the paddocks, since he will return to Mercedes as reserve driver for the Silver Arrows. However, even if he will be required to follow the German team throughout the season over the 24 meetings, the ten-time Grand Prix winner wants to keep busy and flourish beyond Formula 1 and of his role as a reservist.
In an interview with RacingNews365, Valtteri Bottas spoke about his future and his plans for 2025. “I will have the opportunity to do other things too, yes, confirms the Finn. Next up is the Race of Champions. It's in Sydney this year. (…) But no, I don't have a clear vision of events yet, but it's something I have to start planning. »
Among the Nordic driver's main desires, rallying is at the top of the Finn's wish list. Valtteri Bottas has already participated in a few rallies between 2019 and 2021, in Finland but also in France. In 2019, he participated (and won) in the Rallycircuit Côte d'Azur, which took place on the Paul-Ricard circuit, aboard a Citroën DS3. He had also started the Arctic Lapland Rally three times. “Mainly for fun and to stay in shape, [j’aimerais refaire] of the rally. I haven't been allowed to rally for the last three years. It's something I've done a little before and which I really liked. It’s mainly to have fun and stay focused”indicates the man of the 246 Grands Prix.
Australia or the United States, the options bis de Bottas
Besides rallying, Valtteri Bottas – Finnish by nature but Australian at heart – confided that he would like to try other, more exotic categories… like Australian Supercars, obviously. “I am also very open to other categories. I always wanted to try Supercars, see how it goes”concedes the ex-Sauber driver, who also leaves the door open to exile in the United States. “Right now I'm thinking that if Formula 1 doesn't happen for one reason or another, I'll probably turn to IndyCar. So this is also something that would be interesting to try, at least for trial purposes. Whether it's an IndyCar race or a test, it's something very interestinghe adds, while ensuring that Formula 1 remains his priority. [2026]it's far away but it will come quickly, so my next movements will be linked to 2026 and [je suis] planning it now. »
READ ALSO > The clock is on for Cadillac before its arrival in F1: “400 days before the car starts”
France
