Axed F1 star linked with Cadillac teases RETURN in new social media post

Valtteri Bottas, Stake, Sauber, Singapore, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Axed F1 star linked with Cadillac teases RETURN in new social media post

The first driver lineup is yet to be announced for Cadillac F1 team

Originally written by Kerry Violet. This version is a translation.

Monday 23 June 2025 17:00

Axed F1 star Valtteri Bottas has teased fans over a potential return to the grid with Cadillac in his latest social media post.

The American brand are set to enter the sport next season, taking the grid to 11 teams for 2026 and beyond.

With the team's driver lineup for next year yet to be confirmed, fans of the sport could be looking at a potential return for two former stars if hiring an American is not mandatory, with ex-F1 drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo, Zhou Guanyu, Mick Schumacher, Sergio Perez and Bottas all mentioned in talks over who they should sign.

As rumours continue to swirl, Bottas took to 'X' to stir the pot even further over his potential involvement in the new team.

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The 35-year-old has become known for his infamous social media presence over the past couple of years, frequently using his quirky internet personality to entertain fans on Mercedes' social media platforms in his role as test and reserve driver (and perhaps the team's influencer, too).

This time, though, Bottas acted without Mercedes in a video where he could be seen approaching a Cadillac vehicle and assessing the 'seats' inside the car in a nod to the two seats up for grabs with the brand's F1 team.

The Finnish racer then noted: "Oh wow, that's actually a nice seat, I wouldn't mind."

The cheeky voice behind the scenes then pointed out the fact that there were two seats in the Cadillac, with Bottas responding: "And they are both free? Huh."

When asked if he wanted to sit in the seat, the Mercedes star boldly stated: "Not yet."

Valtteri Bottas is a strong contender for Cadillac's first F1 driver duo

Who will Cadillac F1 sign?

The battle to sign with Cadillac is on, and many of the stars who appear interested in the project are no strangers to the paddock, with the outfit eager to sign experienced drivers who can help develop the team.

Initially, it was believed that Cadillac were after one experienced driver and one young American star. However, as preparations for their entry rapidly increased, the General Motors-backed outfit announced Graeme Lowdon as their first team principal, who confirmed that an American driver would only be signed based on merit, not their nationality.

In that case, Bottas is a strong contender for the seat which he comically declined in his latest social media stunt and if Cadillac are open to signing two experienced stars to help kick-start their entry into the sport, who better than Bottas and Perez, who have both proven themselves as the ultimate team player in their former No.2 driver roles.

Bottas was a superb second driver alongside champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes between 2017 and 2021 and as much as he appears to be loving life back at the team he considers home, surely a talented racer like Bottas wouldn't truly turn down a chance to get back into the competitive side of F1 if the offer was officially made.