Photo: RacePictures

Valtteri Bottas begins Cadillac F1 journey as 2026 return looms

09:04, 09 Dec

byTobia Elia

Valtteri Bottas has already begun his new adventure with Cadillac as he prepares for his return to the grid in 2026.

Ahead of the first pre-season tests, set to take place at the Circuit de Montmeló at the end of January, the Finn is already keen to be ready for his second Formula 1 adventure, following a year on the sidelines as a Mercedes reserve driver.

Bottas has already gone through the usual pre-season procedures, including the seat fit, one of the most important moments for any driver.

"That's a nice seat, that's my seat," the 36-year-old joked on social media, as he prepares to start his thirteenth Formula 1 season alongside another returning driver, Sergio Perez.

The Mexican also spent a season on the sidelines, having lost his Red Bull seat at the end of last season to Liam Lawson, who was himself demoted after just two races to make way for Yuki Tsunoda.

Valtteri Bottas expressing gratitude to Mercedes

Photo: RacePictures

Bottas shares Wolff’s reaction to his F1 return with Cadillac

Earlier in the season, Bottas explained how, after years of back-and-forth with the FIA and F1, he and Cadillac managed to seal the deal.

The Finn revealed that when he had to break the news to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, he was extremely supportive — the same man who chose to back Bottas over Nico Rosberg at the end of 2016, after the German made the unexpected decision to leave Formula 1 following his championship win.

Here’s what Bottas had to say.

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