"It’s a conscious decision" - Valtteri Bottas makes feeling known about rejecting IndyCar to keep F1 return hopes alive

Valtteri Bottas has confirmed that he declined offers from IndyCar teams for 2025 despite being without an F1 seat for next year. Though the best he can get for next year is a reserve driver role for Mercedes, the Finnish driver doesn't want to switch disciplines to IndyCar on such short notice.

Bottas joined Sauber (then Alfa Romeo) in 2022 on a multi-year contract. Despite being a 10-time Grand Prix winner, the team's deteriorating performance hampered his chances at points. In 2024, Sauber is at the bottom of the standings and the only team with no points on board with two races to go.

Yet, the team's 2026 prospects look promising, with Audi set to take over the operations. That, coupled with the lack of better options, led Bottas to negotiate a contract extension, which ultimately failed, with the team opting to sign Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.

During the Thursday press conferences ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Bottas addressed his immediate future in racing and why joining IndyCar next year doesn't appeal to him.

"It's a conscious decision," the Finn said via GPBlog regarding the IndyCar rejection. "I think it just comes too quick. Let's say, for example, jumping into a full IndyCar season after 12 years of F1. I just feel like it comes a bit too quick because it's a lot of hard work. There's a lot of familiarization to be done and all these things. I'd rather take just a bit of time, figure out what's next, and go from there. I've had talks and approaches at this point [from IndyCar teams]. I've made it pretty clear that next year comes a bit too soon."

Mercedes is Bottas' only hope of continuing his involvement in F1 in 2025. Considering his rich five-year experience with the team, Team Principal Toto Wolff may well be willing to offer his old ally a reserve driver role.

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Valtteri Bottas knocks on Mercedes and GM-backed Cadillac's doors for F1 contracts

Valtteri Bottas with Toto Wolff at the Abu Dhabi GP - Source: Getty

Thursday in Qatar was a day filled with big news. Mercedes announced that Mick Schumacher would leave the reserve driver role at the end of this year. This has opened the way for Valtteri Bottas to make a smooth return to the Silver Arrows.

With this development in the background, Bottas confirmed his talks with Mercedes are moving in a positive direction. He said:

"We are talking and yeah, it's going well. Still a bit of work to do, but we're talking."

The Sauber driver also provided an update on his 2026 F1 prospects, when at least two more seats will open up with Cadillac entering the sport.

“Yes [we’ve talked], I think for sure I’m not the only one, but of course, it’s interesting for me, and I think it’s great for F1. Great brand, GM is a big backer behind so, for sure, it’s an interesting project. I think that’s just increased the chances of getting a seat for 2026, which ultimately is the goal. But, if not, then there are lots of other cool things in other series," Valtteri Bottas said via Motorsportweek.

Valtteri Bottas could be an excellent short-term option for Cadillac, considering that team advisor Mario Andretti is looking to pair a young American driver in IndyCar's Colton Herta with an experienced F1 driver.