Valtteri Bottas Reveals Near Williams Return Before Sainz Deal

Valtteri Bottas has disclosed that he was on the verge of rejoining Williams for the 2025 Formula 1 season, a move that would have seen him return to the team where he started his F1 career. However, the deal collapsed at the last minute when Carlos Sainz became available, fundamentally altering the landscape of driver transfers and leaving Bottas to pursue other options, including a 2026 comeback with Cadillac.

Why it matters:

• Bottas's potential return to Williams would have been a sentimental and strategic move, reuniting him with the team that launched his F1 career in 2013.
• The revelation underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the F1 driver market, where one major player's move (like Sainz's) can have a ripple effect on multiple drivers and teams.
• It also highlights Williams's rising appeal under James Vowles's leadership, as the team could attract a proven race winner like Bottas and ultimately secure a high-profile driver like Sainz.

The details:

• Close to a Deal: Bottas confirmed that negotiations with Williams team principal James Vowles were advanced, with a contract 'already there' for the 2025 season.
• Sainz's Impact: The deal fell through when Carlos Sainz, unexpectedly leaving Ferrari, became available and was subsequently signed by Williams, a move Bottas summarized as, "Carlos Sainz happened. So, yeah, that’s F1."
• Vowles's Influence: Bottas praised Vowles's leadership, crediting him with bringing significant knowledge from Mercedes and steering Williams in the "right direction" with strong investment.
• Current Status: Bottas is set to be a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2025 before making a full-time return to the grid in 2026 with the new Cadillac team, partnering with Sergio Perez.

The big picture:

Williams, under James Vowles, is showing clear signs of resurgence. Their ability to attract a driver of Sainz's caliber for 2025, after nearly securing Bottas, demonstrates a renewed competitive ambition and a more stable, attractive environment for top talent. Bottas's comments on the team's progress, despite his missed opportunity, reinforce this perception of a team on an upward trajectory.

What's next:

While Bottas's near-return to Williams is now a 'what-if' scenario, his focus shifts to his 2026 debut with Cadillac alongside Sergio Perez. Williams will continue its upward climb with Sainz, aiming to capitalize on its improved performance and investment. The unfolding driver market for 2025 and beyond promises further intriguing developments, proving once again that in F1, as Bottas aptly put it, "that’s F1."