F1: Bottas 'Still Has So Much to Offer', Says Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff on Cadillac Move
Valtteri Bottas will return to full-time F1 racing with Cadillac in 2026, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff praising his experience and the value he offers.
By Divyam Dubey
With Cadillac confirming Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for its debut Formula 1 season in 2026, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has backed Bottas, saying the Finn 'still has so much to offer' as he returns to racing. Bottas, who has started 246 Grands Prix with 67 podium finishes and 10 victories, most of them with Mercedes, will bring valuable experience to the new team. The American outfit enters the grid with two drivers making a full-time comeback after stepping away from competition during the 2025 season.
Bottas stayed close to F1 this year in his role as Mercedes reserve driver. He worked on the team’s car behind the scenes and gave support to Kimi Antonelli, who made his start in Formula 1. This kept Bottas active in the paddock and linked to race weekend preparations.
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'It is great to see Valtteri regain his place on the F1 grid for next year,' said Toto. '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.
'For now, we will continue that work until the end of the year before wishing him well for next year and beyond.'
Looking to next season, Cadillac will be counting on Bottas and Perez to guide the team through its first year in Formula 1. With years of racing knowledge between them, the pair can help shape the team’s approach as it lines up against established rivals.
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For both drivers, the return offers a chance to get back onto the grid after time away, while giving Cadillac a solid base to build on in its debut season. The team will hope that their experience can speed up the learning process and keep them competitive from the very start.
