Lewis Hamilton Breaks Silence on Ex-Teammate’s F1 Comeback in 2026

Lewis Hamilton has broken silence and congratulated his ex-Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas as he makes a racing comeback with Cadillac.

Lewis Hamilton Breaks Silence on Ex-Teammate’s F1 Comeback in 2026

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas (via Getty)

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Lewis Hamilton‘s former teammate, Valtteri Bottas, remained an iconic and loved figure within Formula 1 despite leaving a driver’s position in 2025. Bottas joined Mercedes as a reserve driver this year before ultimately announcing his return to racing with the Cadillac F1 team in 2026. The Finn’s experience in the sport will be crucial for the all-American constructor and their ambitions in the sport. Hence, Hamilton has weighed in on the 36-year-old’s return to racing.

Lewis Hamilton had great relations with Valtteri Bottas for the five seasons they raced together from 2017 to 2021. Hamilton even termed Bottas as the best teammate he ever had in Formula 1, especially after suffering from a deep rivalry against Nico Rosberg in 2016. Now, with the Finn returning to the grid in the coming year and achieving his goal, the 40-year-old is pleased by this and wishes him nothing but success in the near future.

Speaking on Valtteri Bottas and his much-awaited return to racing, Lewis Hamilton pointed out that he did not want to get too heavily involved in the matter. The Briton did not want to take the spotlight away from Bottas as he received a great opportunity with Cadillac alongside Sergio Perez, who is also a massive figure returning to racing in Formula 1. Still, Hamilton asserted that he was very happy for the 36-year-old.

Further, Lewis Hamilton revealed that Valtteri Bottas was a great friend to him, and deserved to be back racing in the pinnacle of motorsport. Hamilton insisted that the Finn had great experience and that it would be instrumental for a new team like Cadillac to achieve great success in the long run in the sport. Now, time will tell about how the addition of an 11th team on the grid will turn out for Formula 1 as a whole.

It’s not something I really want to get too heavily involved in. But I’m really happy for Valtteri. He’s a good friend and really deserves to be back. I know he’s got plenty of experience that he’ll be able to bring to a new team.

Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by RacingNews365

Lewis Hamilton claims he ‘misses’ Valtteri Bottas as a teammate

Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton shared a great bond at Mercedes, and rarely clashed heads against one another. Even if they did, they quickly solved the matter and returned to their great relationship. As such, Hamilton furthered his compliments towards the Finn and revealed how he still missed the latter, more as a teammate.

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas (via Sky)
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas teammates at Mercedes (via Sky)

Lewis Hamilton insisted that he did not need to emphasize the talent and speed Valtteri Bottas possessed as a driver in Formula 1, as he had showcased it over the years of racing. Hamilton funnily pointed out that Cadillac was getting the most honest and even the funniest Finnish driver in their squad. After recalling all the positive traits of Bottas, the Briton noted that he missed working alongside the 36-year-old.

I don’t need to say anything about his talent because he’s shown that throughout his career. But [they’re] getting one of the most honest, probably the funniest, Finns I would imagine, and just the most genuine person to work with. I miss working with him.

Lewis Hamilton noted

The Cadillac F1 team’s addition to the F1 grid looks promising for great racing action in the midfield of the pack. But there will be 22 drivers racing for the victory on the grid, and hopefully, they will make the races all the more exciting. For now, the all-American squad is showcasing great promise to come up as a positive force on the grid, competing for good results over the years. Moreover, the addition of a true American team will also help boost the sport’s global appeal and reach.

Read More: Toto Wolff Reveals Mindset Behind Trying to Lure Max Verstappen to Mercedes