Valtteri Bottas Completes Mercedes Show Run in South Korea Amid Cadillac F1 Move

Valtteri Bottas made a landmark return to South Korea, driving the Mercedes W13 in a show run—the first F1 car appearance in the country in 12 years. This event comes as Bottas, currently a Mercedes reserve driver, prepares for a full-time return to the F1 grid with the incoming Cadillac team in 2026.

Why it matters:

• The event signifies F1's renewed interest in the South Korean market, a region with a passionate but underserved fanbase since the last Korean Grand Prix in 2013.
• For Valtteri Bottas, it's a symbolic drive in a car he never raced competitively, bridging his past with Mercedes and his future full-time role with Cadillac F1.

The Details:

• F1's Return to South Korea: Valtteri Bottas piloted the Mercedes W13 at the AMG Speedway in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, for the Peaches Run Universe 2025 event. This marked the first time an F1 car has run in South Korea since the Korean Grand Prix's last edition in 2013.
• The W13 Experience: Bottas drove the "zero-pod" Mercedes W13, a car from the 2022 season known for its innovative yet challenging design and porpoising issues. Despite its difficulties, the W13 secured one race win with George Russell.
• Fan Engagement: The event drew a crowd of 25,000 enthusiastic fans, who watched Bottas complete multiple laps and perform donuts. Attendees also had access to simulators and F1 memorabilia.
• Bottas's Enthusiasm: Bottas expressed his appreciation for the South Korean fans, noting their knowledge and enthusiasm had grown since his last race there in 2013. He described it as an honor to bring F1 back to the nation.

What's next:

This show run serves as a prelude to Bottas's exciting return to a full-time F1 seat in 2026 with the new Cadillac team, where he will partner with former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. His current role as a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2025 keeps him connected to the sport ahead of his highly anticipated comeback.