Valtteri Bottas has revealed a return to a non-racing role at former employers Mercedes is an option should he lose his Sauber seat for the 2025 season.The 35-year-old Finn is still waiting to find out whether he will be handed a contract renewal at Audi-controlled Sauber amid competition for the one seat left at the team from McLaren-backed F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto, Williams' Franco Colapinto and Mercedes reserve Mick Schumacher.
And while Bottas insists retaining a place on the F1 grid is his overriding priority, he has naturally had to consider fall-back options - of which he suggested a role at Mercedes was one.Asked if speculation if could take a back-up drive at Mercedes, where he won 10 races alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2017-2021 before being let go, was possible, Bottas replied: “First priority is to stay as a race driver and that’s what I want, that’s what we are pushing for with Mattia .