Valtteri Bottas says he is nearing an agreement to return to Mercedes as its reserve driver for next year after Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, announced he was leaving.

Ahead of the Qatar GP, the veteran driver spoke about his future in F1 and what his motorsports moves in 2025 could be.

Valtteri Bottas has confirmed that he is poised to return to Mercedes next season as a reserve driver in the wake of Mick Schumacher’s decision to leave the team at the end of the year. Every qualifying session and race from the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer >

Valtteri Bottas will compete at next year’s Race of Champions as he eyes new racing opportunities after missing out on an F1 seat for next year. Bottas, who has been an ever-present on the F1 grid since 2013, has been dropped by Sauber for 2025 with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto replacing the Finn and Zhou Guanyu.

Having been replaced at Sauber for the 2025 Formula 1 season by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Valtteri Bottas is likely to return to Mercedes as a reserve but also plans to race at one event

DOHA - Mercedes reserve Mick Schumacher will leave the Formula One team at the end of the season and Valtteri Bottas looks set to replace the German after deciding against making a full-time switch to IndyCar in 2025.

Mick Schumacher is leaving his role as Mercedes’ reserve driver at the end of the 2024 Formula One season and Valtteri Bottas confirmed Thursday that he is in talks about the position. Mercedes announced Schumacher’s eventual departure on Thursday.

Valtteri Bottas is in advanced talks to make a return to Mercedes as their reserve driver for next season following Mick Schumacher's departure from the role - a move that Lewis Hamilton would seemingly approve of.