Valtteri Bottas has confirmed his participation in this weekend’s Monsterrando cycling race in Italy, a move that comes amidst strong reports of a potential return to Formula 1 with the new Cadillac team in 2026. This dual focus highlights Bottas's current activities while his future in F1 remains a hot topic.### Why it matters:Bottas’s potential return to the F1 grid is significant, especially as it involves the debut of the new Cadillac team. Securing an experienced driver like Bottas, potentially alongside Sergio Perez, would provide a strong foundation for the American outfit.### The latest:<ul><li><b>Cycling commitment:</b> Bottas will compete in the Monsterrando gravel cycling race on Saturday, August 23rd, in Italy, alongside his partner, professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell. The Monsterrando organizers expressed delight, highlighting Cromwell's multiple gravel championships and Bottas's F1 pedigree and own gravel cycling achievements, including a 3rd place finish at the Australian Gravel Championship.</li><li><b>Cadillac F1 deal:</b> PlanetF1.com reported that Bottas is nearing a deal to drive for Cadillac in F1 2026. This follows his role as Mercedes' reserve driver for the 2025 season after Sauber opted for Gabriel Bortoleto as Nico Hulkenberg's teammate for their Audi F1 rebrand. Bottas, 35, has openly expressed his desire to secure a 2026 F1 seat.</li><li><b>Potential teammate:</b> If confirmed, Bottas is expected to partner former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, who is reportedly set to be announced as a Cadillac F1 driver at next month’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza.</li></ul>### A crucial detail:Despite a potential F1 comeback, Bottas will still face a five-place grid penalty. This penalty was issued during his final appearance for Sauber at the 2024 Abu Dhabi season finale for causing a collision with Kevin Magnussen. While sporting regulations for 2026 will wipe penalties not served within 12 months, Bottas's penalty predates this change and will therefore be enforced, likely on his Cadillac debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. The FIA confirmed there is no mechanism to retroactively amend penalties applied under previous regulations.### What's next:F1 fans await official confirmations regarding both Bottas and Perez's contracts with Cadillac, which are expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, Bottas will continue his cycling pursuits.
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