1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has suggested that Valtteri Bottas might return to Mercedes on a one-year deal for 2025.
Mercedes is still deliberating on who will partner George Russell following Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is currently the favorite for the seat, while Toto Wolff remains optimistic about convincing Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull.
Carlos Sainz has been mentioned as a potential candidate, although it’s unlikely he would accept a one-year deal given his current position at Ferrari.
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Now, Bottas is also being considered.
Bottas spent five years at Mercedes before moving to Sauber in 2022.
During his first year with Sauber, operating under the Alfa Romeo name, Bottas led the team to their best championship finish of sixth place, thanks to a series of strong early-season performances.
However, since then, the Swiss-based team has struggled with development, causing them to slip down the rankings.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Villeneuve made a bold prediction that Bottas would return to Mercedes to allow Antonelli to debut with a smaller team.
When asked about the 2025 F1 driver market, Villeneuve said: “Williams [for Sainz]. Nobody really wants to go there [Haas].
The ones that are without a drive will jump at it.
I guess Bottas will go to Mercedes.
They want a driver for one year.
So who do they take? They take a driver who will take a one-year deal, knows the team, experience, and prepare the seat for Antonelli.”
“And then Toto will have to pay a team to put Antonelli somewhere for a year.”
Karun Chandhok added: “I think Ollie Bearman will be at Haas.
“The team rate him highly.
“The second seat is up for grabs but Ocon is on the market.
“I am sure Bottas, Zhou, they’re knocking on the door, so one of those.
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“I am interested in Jacques’ theory – I haven’t heard that before, the Bottas one.
“Maybe you know something we don’t?”
Villeneuve concluded: “No, no. It’s just a feeling.”