After spending three seasons with Kick Sauber, Bottas confirmed in November 2024 that he would depart at the end of the campaign – a revelation he admits came “too late” to secure a seat for 2025.

“That was the issue,” Bottas told F1’s Beyond The Grid podcast. “I found out after Brazil. I think some people knew before me, which really compromised everything. At that point, it was too late to sort out anything else.”

Now 35, Bottas has returned to Mercedes in a reserve role but remains adamant that he’s not finished racing. One of the more talked-about vacancies for 2026 is at Red Bull Racing, who have yet to confirm the future of Yuki Tsunoda. Bottas weighed in on the possibility:

“I don’t know if they look outside their academy. They’ve got so many drivers, plus their junior team – the Racing Bulls. It’s a tough car to drive. Max [Verstappen] is pushing it to the edge, and nobody alongside him has looked good. Maybe experience is what that car needs.”

While acknowledging that discussions may have occurred behind the scenes, Bottas noted that Red Bull’s internal dynamics and sponsorship-driven politics complicate the picture.

“I don’t have tens of millions to bring to the table. I have partners who might support a move, but not to the level others might offer. There’s always politics in this sport.”

Could Alpine Be a More Realistic Fit?

Another potential opportunity is with Alpine F1, who are still finalising their 2026 line-up despite already rotating drivers like Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly.

Bottas revealed that he had exploratory talks with Alpine last year but expected to stay with Sauber during their Audi transition – a move that ultimately fell through.

“I spoke to a few teams last year. I didn’t go all-in, as I believed I’d be part of the Audi project. That obviously didn’t happen.”

As for Red Bull, Bottas hinted at past resistance within the team: “There’s a person there who, for some reason, isn’t a fan of mine… but that’s life.”

What’s Next for Bottas?

With 10 F1 wins and a wealth of experience, Bottas could still play a key role in a team rebuilding or transitioning – particularly as the 2026 regulation changes approach. His return to a full-time seat isn’t off the table, and a strong showing in a reserve or testing role could reignite team interest.

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