Valtteri Bottas to Drive Mercedes F1 Car in South Korea Demo Ahead of Cadillac Move

Formula 1 is set to make a significant return to South Korea this October, with Valtteri Bottas playing a key role by getting behind the wheel of the Mercedes W13 F1 car.

This demonstration, part of the 'Peaches Run Universe 2025' event, could mark Bottas's final appearance in Mercedes F1 machinery before his highly anticipated move to the incoming Cadillac F1 team for the 2026 season.

Why it matters:

This event is a crucial step for F1's potential full-scale return to South Korea, a nation where the sport's popularity has surged dramatically since its last Grand Prix in 2013. For Bottas, it serves as a farewell of sorts with Mercedes F1 equipment as he prepares for a new chapter with Cadillac.

The details:

• Event: Peaches Run Universe 2025, organized by car culture firm Peaches.
• Date & Venue: October 12 at the AMG Speedway in Yongin-si, South Korea.
• Car: Bottas will pilot the 2022 Mercedes W13, a car from the sport's new ground effect era.
• Historical Context: South Korea previously hosted the F1 Korean Grand Prix at the Korea International Circuit from 2010 to 2013. The inaugural 2010 race was won dramatically by Fernando Alonso. However, the event struggled to attract significant fanfare and was eventually dropped from the calendar.
• Bottas's Reaction: Expressing enthusiasm, Bottas stated, "I was fortunate enough to be in my debut season the last time F1 raced in South Korea back in 2013. The passion of the fans for our sport was clear and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. To be able to bring F1 back to the country is brilliant; the team and I are determined to put on a great show for everyone."

The big picture:

The F1 landscape has transformed since its last visit to South Korea, experiencing a massive boom in global viewership and popularity. This high-profile demo run fuels ongoing speculation about a potential revival of the Korean Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Bottas's impending transfer to the Cadillac F1 team for 2026 sees him partner with fellow F1 veteran Sergio Perez, bringing a combined 16 Grand Prix victories to the new American outfit.