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Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas

Mercedes F1 star announces RETIREMENT verdict

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas — Photo: © IMAGO

Mercedes F1 star announces RETIREMENT verdict

Bottas recently lost his place on the F1 grid

Originally written by Matthew Hobkinson. This version is a translation.

Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas has announced his verdict on retirement from Formula 1 after losing his seat.

Bottas left Sauber at the end of 2024, with driver and team both heading in a new direction as the new racing season approaches.

READ MORE: Schumacher RETURN announced after major F1 news emerges

The 35-year-old, who secured all 10 of his career wins across his five seasons with the Mercedes, has now made a shock return to the team, backing up the duo of George Russell and young prodigy Kimi Antonelli.

Off-track, Mercedes will hope Bottas' experience can add a lot as they look to develop their car and get back to winning ways.

READ MORE: Kyle Larson F1 drive verdict delivered

Valtteri Bottas will be a Mercedes reserve driver for 2025
Valtteri Bottas will be a Mercedes reserve driver for 2025
George Russell replaced Bottas at Mercedes in 2022
George Russell replaced Bottas at Mercedes in 2022

Bottas: Clear plan needed for F1 return

He has admitted, however, that retirement is an option if that opportunity does not arise.

"There needs to be a meaning," he told Motorsport Week.

“A random one-year deal somewhere at this stage of my career is not doing me much. There would need to be a clear plan.

“If there wouldn’t be, let’s say for ‘26, then definitely I would need to look elsewhere. Or I can do still a good career [in another series].”

READ MORE: F1 team announce OFFICIAL signing of new American driver

Related

Mercedes George Russell Kimi Antonelli Valtteri Bottas

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