Valtteri Bottas, a veteran of 246 Formula 1 starts and ten-time Grand Prix winner, is at a career crossroads. After being sidelined for the 2025 season, the Finnish driver has revealed that failing to secure a return to the grid in 2026 could lead him to explore opportunities in other motorsport series, including a potential shift to IndyCar.
A setback in 2025 but hope remains for 2026
Bottas’s F1 future was thrown into uncertainty when Sauber, transitioning into Audi’s factory team, opted for a fresh lineup of Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto for 2025. Without a race seat, Bottas rejoined Mercedes as a reserve driver, but his ambitions of racing remain alive. Discussions with Cadillac, which plans to join F1 in 2026, have kept the door slightly ajar.
“A comeback would need to have meaning,” Bottas explained in an exclusive interview. “A random one-year deal at this stage of my career doesn’t make sense. There has to be a clear plan. If nothing materializes for 2026, I’d be ready to explore other avenues.”
The ticking clock of F1 comebacks
Acknowledging the difficulty of returning to the F1 grid after more than a year away, Bottas remains cautiously optimistic. Recent examples, such as Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, have shown it’s possible to return and succeed. However, Bottas is acutely aware that the longer he remains out, the slimmer his chances become.
“Being away from the grid for more than a year starts to hurt your chances,” Bottas admitted. “But there are examples where it can be done. I’m not ruling anything out yet.”
A glittering F1 legacy to fall back on
If his F1 chapter is over, Bottas’s record remains enviable. With 10 wins, 67 podiums, and five Constructors’ Championships during his Mercedes stint, he has cemented his place among the sport’s greats.
“I can be proud of what I’ve achieved,” Bottas reflected. “Of course, as a competitor, you’re never fully satisfied. But stepping back, I’ve had a career filled with amazing moments and achievements.”
Eyes on IndyCar and the Indy 500 dream
Should F1 no longer be an option, Bottas is already eyeing a move to IndyCar. The series, known for its intense competition and legendary Indianapolis 500, has become a popular destination for ex-F1 drivers.
“There’s been contact with teams in other categories,” Bottas revealed. “Realistically, 2025 might be too soon for IndyCar, but it’s definitely on my radar for the future. The Indy 500 has always been on my bucket list.”
Bottas hasn’t ruled out the possibility of testing an IndyCar in 2025, hinting at his openness to explore the series further. “If there’s an opportunity to get a taste of IndyCar, I’d seriously consider it,” he said.
What’s next for Bottas?
For now, Bottas’s immediate focus is on staying connected to F1 as a reserve driver while keeping his options open for the future. Whether it’s a triumphant return to the F1 grid with Cadillac in 2026 or a bold new chapter in IndyCar, the Finnish driver remains determined to keep racing at the highest level.