Wolff backs Bottas in push for full-time F1 return

Valtteri Bottas is heavily linked with a potential race seat at the new Cadillac F1 Team for their 2026 debut, a move supported by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. Wolff praised Bottas's continued speed as a reserve driver, stating he "deserves a race seat." Bottas, who lost his Kick Sauber seat at the end of 2024 and rejoined Mercedes in a reserve capacity, views the Cadillac project as "very interesting." He sees the opportunity to start from scratch with a new American team and exert significant influence on its direction as highly motivating. The 2026 rule changes also present a strategic entry point. Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is another experienced name reportedly in contention for a Cadillac drive.