The National Times - Bottas admits Mercedes supporting role may be only option

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Bottas admits Mercedes supporting role may be only option

SPORTS 24.10.2024

Bottas admits Mercedes supporting role may be only option / Photo: © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

Valtteri Bottas would consider returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver next year if he is not retained by Sauber, he admitted on Thursday.

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Speaking ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, the 35-year-old Finn conceded he would consider a return to Mercedes where he enjoyed five successful years alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, but only if his other options failed to work out.

He said his priority was to remain a racing driver, but he is waiting for Sauber's newly-appointed team boss Mattia Binotto to decide who will partner Nico Hulkenberg next year when Audi take over.

"My priority is to stay as a race driver," he told reporters at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. "That's what I want and what I am pushing for with Mattia.

"But as I don't have anything signed and we're in October, I need to look at all of the alternatives -- including going back to the Mercedes family.

"That is one option and I would consider it. There's other options as well but mostly I want to stay in F1 as a racing driver."

Bottas faces competition for his seat at Sauber from Williams' impressive new boy Franco Colapinto and McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto, who tops the F2 standings.

Bottas has won 10 of his 241 Grands Prix and taken 20 pole positions.

R.Hawkins--TNT

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