Bottas admits reserve role is ‘challenging’ and not easy

summary: Val­tte­ri Bottas says his stint as Mercedes’ reserve driver was mentally demanding and far from a vacation, but staying in the paddock kept him race‑ready and open to a 2026 seat.

content:

Valtteri Bottas says his year as Mercedes’ reserve driver was far from a vacation. After losing his race seat, the ten‑time winner spent 2025 backing George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, describing the role as “challenging” and mentally demanding, but useful for staying race‑ready.

Why it matters:

• Reserve drivers like Bottas face hidden pressure; their performance can influence testing, development and mid‑season driver swaps.
• Understanding this role explains why teams shuffle line‑ups and why a strong backup matters for championship stakes.

The details:

• Bottas called the reserve role “not easy” and “challenging,” given his years of full‑time racing.
• He kept a gym‑focused fitness plan to stay ready, noting the current cars feel “physically a little less demanding” with reduced downforce.
• Sergio Pérez also faced a “rusty” label, but Bottas said staying with Mercedes meant “little catching up” over the offseason.

What's next:

• Bottas is open to a 2026 race seat, positioning himself as a reliable backup for any team that needs an experienced driver.
• His fitness routine and familiarity with the current spec make him a strong candidate if a mid‑season vacancy opens.