Ex-F1 driver claims ‘Valtteri Bottas will go to Mercedes’ for 2025 ahead of young sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Valtteri Bottas previously drove for Mercedes between 2017-2021.

Ex-F1 driver claims ‘Valtteri Bottas will go to Mercedes’ for 2025 ahead of young sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Valtteri Bottas and Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Via: Imago)

The 2025 Mercedes seat has been a hot topic of discussion since the start of the ongoing season. Several heavy hitters have been linked with the team and while quite a few have been swooped up, former F1 driver, Jacques Villeneuve feels the Brackley-based team could turn to Valtteri Bottas for 2025.

The Finn has previously driven for Mercedes between 2017-2021 and thus, is quite comfortable in the Mercedes environment. However, while Bottas is an option, the young sensation, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is being seen by many as the driver in prime position to secure the coveted seat.

YouTube video

While pundits are favoring the 17-year-old F2 driver, Villeneuve has a feeling that Bottas could again rep the Mercedes race suit next year.

I guess Bottas will go to Mercedes. A driver who will take a one-year deal, knows the team, has experience and prepares the seat for Antonelli.
Jacques Villeneuve said in an interview with Sky Sports

Looking at the reaction of the 1997 world champion, it seems that it would be preferable for Mercedes to sign an experienced driver like Valtteri Bottas for 2025. Moreover, he has also made it known that Bottas’ arrival will be on a one-year deal after which, Antonelli will eventually get his chance.

Valtteri Bottas wants Sauber to put forward a ‘faster car’ as soon as possible

While Bottas is being seen as an ideal candidate for the 2025 Mercedes seat, he has been having an extremely tough time this year. Sauber’s C44 is just not good enough and this is one of the reasons why he is yet to score a point this season.

Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas (via IMAGO)

The 34-year-old genuinely feels the only way to change the fortunes of the Hinwii-based team is to bring regular upgrades.

We still have work to do. We need to keep bringing upgrades and make the car faster. It is not rocket science, we just need more bits.
Valtteri Bottas said in an interview with Motorsport

The Finnish driver wants the personnel on his team to put in their maximum effort. The ongoing campaign is already nine rounds down and Sauber is plumb last with zero points to its name. Bottas and Co. have an uphill task ahead of them.

In case you missed it: