Valtteri Bottas shared a heartfelt message with Mercedes after parting ways with the Brackley outfit.
The Finnish driver had returned to Mercedes for 2025 as a reserve driver after losing his seat at Sauber at the end of 2024. Having previously driven for the squad between 2017 and 2021, Bottas claimed his return felt like reuniting with his family.
After a year out of a full-time seat, Bottas is set to return to the grid in 2026 with Cadillac, alongside former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, when the American outfit joins the paddock as the 11th team.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked Bottas's final race weekend with Mercedes. "Thank you, Mercedes," he posted on social media after the weekend came to a close.
"It was great to be back with the family this season during my ‘gap year’. This team always has a special place in my heart, and I really appreciate the opportunity to be the 3rd driver for the team. I now respect the team, the sport, and every personnel involved even more than before. Wishing you all the best for the future & see you around soon!"
Thank you Mercedes 🙏
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) December 7, 2025
It was great to be back with the family this season during my ‘gap year’. This team always has a special place in my heart, and I really appreciate the opportunity to be the 3rd driver for the team. I now respect the team, the sport, and every personnel… pic.twitter.com/OsBARO5DSa
Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff gave his full support to Bottas for a return to a full-time seat next year. "It is great to see Valtteri regain his place on the F1 grid for next year,” Wolff said at the time of Bottas signing with Cadillac.
"He still has so much to offer as a racing driver and deserves to be lining up in Melbourne for the 2026 season. We will of course be sad to see him go. He has played an important role in our team and his contribution as our third driver this year has been exemplary."
Cadillac wasted no time in welcoming the 36-year-old driver to the team ahead of its F1 entry. "The time is now," the General Motors-owned team posted.
The time is now 😎 pic.twitter.com/5hvF9CoepN
— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) December 8, 2025
Photos from Abu Dhabi GP - Race
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