It is believed that Valtteri Bottas is connected to Williams for a potential drive in the F1 2025 season.
Valtteri Bottas appears set to re-join Williams for the F1 2025 season, replacing Logan Sargeant, according to well-placed sources.
Speedcafe and VSabladet have reported that there is strong speculation about Valtteri Bottas returning to Williams for the 2025 season. These claims have been confirmed by PlanetF1.com.
Valtteri Bottas to make Williams return in 2025 – reports
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Bottas was seen meeting Williams team principal James Vowles for coffee in the team’s motorhome during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend at Imola, which the Finn played down – telling media including PlanetF1.com that it is part and parcel of being in the paddock.
When questioned about the topic of the conversation, he replied, “Just ordinary discussions about life!”
Naturally, while operating within the free market, it is advisable to explore available options. This is a common occurrence when one is engaged in the free market.
After the race, Bottas, who had previously driven for Williams from 2013 to 2016 during his initial four seasons in Formula 1, had his F1 future questioned once more.
He further expressed his desire for a prompt update on that matter, suggesting that Williams might also be involved in the negotiations.
In an interview with various media outlets, including PlanetF1.com, he expressed, “I anticipate progress in the upcoming weeks. That’s what we aim for.”
When questioned about the possibility of having additional coffee meetings, alluding to his recent discussion with Vowles over the weekend, the current driver for Kick Sauber answered, “I’m uncertain. I enjoy coffee, but I can’t say for sure.”
Read more key information on the F1 2025 driver market
The 10 drivers out of contract at the end of the F1 2024 season
F1 driver contracts: What is the contract status of every driver on the F1 2024 grid?
Bottas embarked on his Formula 1 journey with Williams, but later switched to Mercedes in 2017. In 2022, he joined Alfa Romeo as the team transitioned from Hinwil-based Sauber. However, the team is set to transform into Audi by 2026.
Nico Hulkenberg has secured a contract with the team for the 2025 season, while Carlos Sainz is the team’s declared choice for the remaining seat. Meanwhile, Bottas and his teammate Zhou Guanyu have been exploring options with other teams, including Sauber, in order to secure their positions on the grid.
When asked about Speedcafe’s report, a Williams spokesperson dismissed it by stating, “We are not giving any consideration to the rumors in F1 as they are always present.”
“Our team boasts an exhilarating driver line-up, and our primary focus revolves around the fiercely competitive midfield battle this year.”
While we continuously look towards the future and evaluate our choices for 2025 and beyond, our primary emphasis remains on achieving optimal success in 2024.
Read next: F1 2025 driver line-up: Who is already confirmed for the 2025 grid?
