close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • US

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas

Mercedes F1 star announces RETIREMENT verdict

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas — Photo: © IMAGO

Mercedes F1 star announces RETIREMENT verdict

Bottas recently lost his place on the F1 grid

Matthew Hobkinson
Lead Editor
F1 Editor & Journalist

Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas has announced his verdict on retirement from Formula 1 after losing his seat.

Bottas left Sauber at the end of 2024, with driver and team both heading in a new direction as the new racing season approaches.

READ MORE: Schumacher RETURN announced after major F1 news emerges

The 35-year-old, who secured all 10 of his career wins across his five seasons with the Mercedes, has now made a shock return to the team, backing up the duo of George Russell and young prodigy Kimi Antonelli.

Off-track, Mercedes will hope Bottas' experience can add a lot as they look to develop their car and get back to winning ways.

READ MORE: Kyle Larson F1 drive verdict delivered

Valtteri Bottas will be a Mercedes reserve driver for 2025
Valtteri Bottas will be a Mercedes reserve driver for 2025
George Russell replaced Bottas at Mercedes in 2022
George Russell replaced Bottas at Mercedes in 2022

Bottas: Clear plan needed for F1 return

He has admitted, however, that retirement is an option if that opportunity does not arise.

"There needs to be a meaning," he told Motorsport Week.

“A random one-year deal somewhere at this stage of my career is not doing me much. There would need to be a clear plan.

“If there wouldn’t be, let’s say for ‘26, then definitely I would need to look elsewhere. Or I can do still a good career [in another series].”

READ MORE: F1 team announce OFFICIAL signing of new American driver

Related

Mercedes George Russell Kimi Antonelli Valtteri Bottas

More F1 news

Full News Feed

Max Verstappen’s tough start sparks Daniel Ricciardo curse theory

Max Verstappen’s tough start sparks Daniel Ricciardo curse theory

  • 39 minutes ago
BMW reveal stance on potential Formula 1 comeback

BMW reveal stance on potential Formula 1 comeback

  • 2 hours ago
Audi’s F1 plans hit early turbulence just two races into 2026 season

Audi’s F1 plans hit early turbulence just two races into 2026 season

  • Today 17:00
Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian spotted together again ahead of Japanese GP

Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian spotted together again ahead of Japanese GP

  • Yesterday 23:00
Brazilian GP chaos as sinkhole forces major delay at circuit

Brazilian GP chaos as sinkhole forces major delay at circuit

  • Yesterday 21:00
Mercedes break silence following shock disqualification setback

Mercedes break silence following shock disqualification setback

  • Yesterday 19:00

Just in

21:00
Max Verstappen’s tough start sparks Daniel Ricciardo curse theory
19:00
BMW reveal stance on potential Formula 1 comeback
17:00
Audi’s F1 plans hit early turbulence just two races into 2026 season
23-3
Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian spotted together again ahead of Japanese GP
23-3
Brazilian GP chaos as sinkhole forces major delay at circuit
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Max Verstappen’s tough start sparks Daniel Ricciardo curse theory F1 Social

Max Verstappen’s tough start sparks Daniel Ricciardo curse theory

39 minutes ago
BMW reveal stance on potential Formula 1 comeback F1 News & Gossip

BMW reveal stance on potential Formula 1 comeback

2 hours ago
Audi’s F1 plans hit early turbulence just two races into 2026 season Audi F1 News

Audi’s F1 plans hit early turbulence just two races into 2026 season

Today 17:00
Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian spotted together again ahead of Japanese GP Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian spotted together again ahead of Japanese GP

Yesterday 23:00
Ontdek het op Google Play
x