Valtteri Bottas will conclude his tenure as a reserve driver for Mercedes at the end of this season. He is transitioning to the Cadillac Formula 1 team in 2026, marking a significant change in his career. Bottas, who previously raced for Mercedes between 2017 and 2021, rejoined the Brackley team in 2024 after leaving Sauber.
Farewell Video Highlights Bottas’s Humor
Bottas is known for his lighthearted personality and has become a fan favorite for his wit. In a recent video titled “Leaving An F1 Team Explained,” he humorously pretended to wipe away tears. “In F1, leaving a team will happen eventually,” he stated, reflecting on his mixed emotions.
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- Key Quotes:
- “It’s quite sad. I’ve done it a few times in my career. It’s not easy.”
- “There are 11 teams in the paddock next year. We are all one big family.”
The video features a montage of Bottas hugging various team members, complemented by operatic music. He humorously mentioned a tradition of swimming in the marina after the final race in Abu Dhabi.
Thank You, Mercedes
“Leaving a team is never easy. I just want to say thank you, Mercedes,” Bottas expressed. As the video concluded, it included a close-up shot of him, with a cameraman reminding him about returning team items. Viewers also enjoyed a slow-motion recap of his best moments as a reserve driver.
Bottas is set to join Cadillac alongside former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. This move makes Cadillac the eleventh team competing in F1.
