BEYOND THE GRID: Valtteri Bottas on his break from racing, pushing for an F1 return and talks with Cadillac, Alpine and more

Valtteri Bottas, the 10-time Grand Prix winner, has emphasized that Formula 1 remains the "number one thing in his life" and his primary goal is to secure a spot back on the grid for the 2026 season. After starting his F1 career as a rookie in 2013, this year marks the first time he isn't actively racing. Speaking on the latest episode of the 'Beyond The Grid' podcast, Bottas openly discussed his future prospects, including potential drives with the new Cadillac team set to join F1, a return to Mercedes, or opportunities with established outfits like Red Bull or Alpine. He detailed his reasons for not wanting his F1 journey to end prematurely, the unique attributes he believes he would bring to a team, especially under the new regulations and car designs slated for 2026, and the crucial deadline he has set for himself to finalize his decision. Despite his current hiatus from racing, Bottas chose to rejoin Mercedes as a reserve driver this year, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the sport over pursuing other racing series. His determination to return to the pinnacle of motorsport is clear as he strategically plans his next move.