Valtteri Bottas Shares Toto Wolff's Reaction to His F1 Return with Cadillac

Valtteri Bottas has revealed that Toto Wolff has been very supportive of his career move and cannot wait to return to the F1 grid with Cadillac in 2026. Wolff expressed happiness for Bottas while acknowledging the challenge of replacing him in his current reserve role at Mercedes.

Why it matters:

Valtteri Bottas's return to the F1 grid with Cadillac in 2026 signifies a major comeback for the seasoned driver and a significant step for the new American team. His experience and leadership will be crucial in helping Cadillac establish itself in the highly competitive world of Formula 1, while his personal narrative underscores the deep-seated desire to race that even a reserve role couldn't fully satisfy.

The details:

• Bottas confirmed that he had been in talks with Graeme Lowdon of Cadillac for two years, and it became clear early this year that he was their top choice for a driver.
• He expressed his eagerness to join the project and apply his extensive F1 experience to help build the new team.
• Toto Wolff's Reaction: Upon breaking the news to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, Bottas was met with strong support.
  • Wolff acknowledged Bottas's passion for racing and expressed his happiness for the Finn's opportunity.
  • He also humorously noted the difficulty of finding a replacement for Bottas's current reserve duties.
• Looking Forward to Driving: Bottas's primary excitement revolves around driving the new Cadillac F1 car for the first time, viewing it as a special moment for both himself and the entire team in the UK and America.
• New Perspective from Reserve Role: Bottas reflected on his time as a reserve driver at Mercedes, noting that it provided him with a unique, 'outside the box' perspective on how an F1 team operates behind the scenes.
  • He learned about team dynamics and operational aspects that were not visible from inside the cockpit, believing this knowledge will benefit him in his future role.
  • Despite these insights, he reiterated his strong desire to return to competitive racing.

What's next:

Bottas is now fully focused on his 2026 return with Cadillac, bringing his 10 Grand Prix wins and extensive experience to the new team. His transition from a Mercedes reserve role back to a full-time F1 seat will be a compelling storyline, particularly as Cadillac aims to make a strong debut on the global stage. The collaborative effort between Bottas and the nascent Cadillac team will be closely watched as they prepare to unveil their car and challenge the established constructors.