Bottas to Drive Historic Ferrari in Adelaide Ahead of F1 Return

Returning to the grid with Cadillac, Valtteri Bottas is set to pilot a 1985 Ferrari 156/85 at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, just a week before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The appearance marks a significant moment, as it will be the first time the 10-time grand prix winner has ever driven a Ferrari Formula 1 car, despite spending years racing against the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

The Adelaide run serves as a symbolic bridge between Bottas's past and his F1 future. After a year as a reserve driver, his return to the cockpit—especially in a car from a team he fiercely competed against for championships—generates significant buzz ahead of his official comeback. It's a high-profile way to re-engage with fans and media before the competitive pressure of the new season begins.

The details:

• The Car: Bottas will drive the #27 Ferrari 156/85, the very model that competed in the first-ever Adelaide Grand Prix in 1985. That season, the car won two races with Michele Alboreto and helped Ferrari finish second in the Constructors' Championship.
• A First Time: Despite a long F1 career spent battling Ferrari-powered rivals, this will be Bottas's first experience behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car.
• A Rare Sight: Former Ferrari driver Stefan Johansson will also be on track in his own #28 156/85, giving fans a rare opportunity to see two of these iconic turbo-era machines running together.
• Local Flavor: Bottas’s schedule also includes a demonstration run in a V8-powered Holden HQ Monaro, adding a distinctly Australian touch to his appearance.

What's next:

All eyes will then turn to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix on March 8. This event marks the official on-track debut for Bottas and the new Cadillac team as they enter the grid under the sweeping new 2026 regulations. The Adelaide festival is the perfect, high-octane curtain-raiser for his highly anticipated return to full-time competition.