Bottas set for Mercedes reunion after Sauber exit

After a difficult spell with the struggling Sauber team, Valtteri Bottas is poised to leave the Swiss outfit at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

But the Finnish driver is not expected to be leaving the sport altogether - a reunion with his former team Mercedes is on the cards.

Bottas, who joined Sauber in 2022 after departing Mercedes, has endured a frustrating two-year stint with the team, which has failed to score a single point so far in 2024.

With Sauber set to undergo a major transformation ahead of Audi's arrival in 2026, the team has had to make tough decisions about its driver lineup.

"A situation like this is never easy for anyone,"

Bottas admitted.

"But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met."

The 34-year-old has been a loyal servant to the Sauber outfit, bringing his vast experience and technical expertise to aid the team's development.

However, Sauber's recent management changes, including the arrival of ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, have led the team to prioritize younger talent for the future.

"Valtteri's dedication and approach have been invaluable during a pivotal time in our history, and the memories of these years will stay with us for a long time,"

Binotto said.

"In considering our driver line-up for the coming seasons, Valtteri was unquestionably a key candidate.

"However, a decision had to be made, and after open and constructive discussions, we mutually concluded that final conditions could not be met, so we agreed that it is time to part ways."

With Bottas set to depart, Sauber has already secured the services of rising star Gabriel Bortoleto, the current F2 championship leader, for the 2025 season and beyond.

But Bottas' Formula 1 career is far from over.

The 10-time grand prix winner is expected to accept a reserve driver role with his former team, Mercedes, from next year.

This would see him return to the "Mercedes family," as he described it, and keep him firmly in the loop should any unexpected opportunities arise.

"Returning to what I called the 'Mercedes family' at Interlagos was for sure one option and I would consider it,"

Bottas revealed.

Mercedes is set to field a young driver lineup of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025, leaving room for an experienced head like Bottas to provide valuable support and mentorship.

While the path back to full-time racing may be difficult, Bottas' story could follow that of Nico Hulkenberg, who successfully re-established himself on the grid after a stint as a reserve.

So while the curtain may be closing on Bottas' regular Formula 1 racing career, his journey is far from over.

A return to Mercedes, the team where he won 10 grands prix, could offer the Finn a new lease of life and a chance to stay involved at the top level of the sport.