Valtteri Bottas shares honest opinion about his new Mercedes role for 2025

Former Kick Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas claimed that his new role as Mercedes reserve driver for the 2025 season could be "difficult" and "painful" for him. The Finnish driver joined the Hinwil-based outfit at the beginning of the 2022 season after leaving the German team at the end of the 2021 season.

Bottas had a strong start to his time with the Swiss team, which would become Audi in 2026, as he guided them to P6 in the Constructor's Championship. However, the performance fell back in the two subsequent years as the team finished in P9 and P10 in 2024, with Bottas failing to score a point in the recently concluded season.

In an exclusive interview with RacingNews365, Bottas spoke about his upcoming move to Mercedes and believed that it could be difficult for him to stand in the background given that he wanted to race, saying:

"I think it could be difficult, could be painful because I just want to race, but I think I can still contribute a lot to the team with my experience. They will also have a rookie driver joining, who will need some help. I just need to keep busy, I guess, and keep giving all the knowledge I have."

While further assessing his future in the sport and potentially landing a drive in the next couple of years, he added:

"Sometimes you need to take a step back to make two steps forward. Now it's about for me, trying to get the picture of my two to three-year range ahead, what is the best way to get there and what is the best way to get a seat on the F1 grid again.

"But on the other hand, yes, it is a reserve role. There will be lots of standing around, but at the same time, it's a great brand, a big car manufacturer. I've been there five years in the past, and it could really bring some opportunities for me."

Mercedes team boss heaps praise on Valtteri Bottas ahead of his move

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff spoke highly of the incoming reserve driver Valtteri Bottas's on-track capabilities while sharing a quip on his sense of humor, which was a hit on his previous five stints with the Brackley-based outfit.

As per Sky Sports, the Austrian said:

"Not only that, but he was also a fantastic colleague and team member. His dry sense of humor and personable nature made him a firm favorite with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth."

Valtteri Bottas helped Mercedes win five consecutive Constructor's Championships from 2017 to 2021 and never failed to reach Q3 in qualifying while securing all 10 of his race wins.