Mercedes Blocks Bottas' Cadillac Test; Wolff Discusses Hamilton's Departure

Mercedes Blocks Bottas' Cadillac Test, Wolff Reveals Tough Hamilton Chat

Mercedes has officially blocked Valtteri Bottas from test driving for Cadillac until after the 2025 Formula 1 season. This decision comes as Toto Wolff also sheds light on difficult conversations with Lewis Hamilton regarding his impending move to Ferrari, all while Red Bull continues its ambitious 2026 engine partnership with Ford.

Why it matters

Mercedes' decision directly impacts Bottas' early integration into Cadillac's new F1 team, which is set to join the grid in 2026. Meanwhile, Wolff's candid remarks offer a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics surrounding Hamilton's high-profile departure, marking a significant transition for both the seven-time world champion and the Mercedes squad.

The details

• Bottas' Cadillac Test Blocked: GPblog reports that Mercedes has prevented Valtteri Bottas from testing with Cadillac during the 2025 season. Bottas, currently connected to Mercedes as a reserve driver for a third team, will move to Cadillac for 2026 but can only get behind the wheel for the American team once the 2025 campaign concludes. Bottas reportedly agrees with his current employer's decision. Cadillac plans to use Ferrari power units initially before developing its own engine and intends for Bottas to test in an old Ferrari F1 car.
• Wolff on Hamilton Conversations: In an interview with GPblog, Toto Wolff discussed the conversations he had with Lewis Hamilton concerning his contract and subsequent move to Ferrari. Hamilton's decision to join Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season, exercising an option in his 1+1 deal after 12 seasons with Mercedes, was announced before the 2024 season. Wolff admitted that, in hindsight, it was a relief that Hamilton made the choice himself, sparing Wolff the difficult conversation with his friend and long-time driver.
• Red Bull's Ford Partnership: Red Bull and Ford are actively developing their powertrain for the 2026 season. Laurent Mekies acknowledged the