Valtteri Bottas could return to Mercedes in 2025 with a role that extends beyond mere reserve driver duties, according to new speculation.
The Finnish driver, who won 10 races during his tenure as Lewis Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes before being ousted for 2022, has been linked with a comeback following the non-renewal of his current contract with Audi-owned Sauber.
Christian Fittipaldi, a former Formula 1 driver, suggests that Bottas' potential return to Mercedes might include taking on an advisory role to team boss Toto Wolff.
"What I was told at the track is that it looks like he (Bottas) will return to Mercedes and be a bit of an advisor to Toto," Fittipaldi revealed on the Pelas Pistas podcast.
"Valtteri has experience and history with them, and his move back to Mercedes would make all the sense in the world. Toto values his experience a lot and believes in what he can add to the team," the Brazilian added.
Fittipaldi pointed out that Jerome d'Ambrosio's recent move to Ferrari as deputy team boss opens up a potential space for Bottas on Wolff's shoulder at Mercedes.
"Don't forget that Jerome d'Ambrosio has gone to Ferrari now, so there is room for Bottas. I'm not entirely sure if his role will be similar, but I do think he will be there," Fittipaldi said.
Speculation about Bottas' next steps heightened after he shared a cryptic image on social media showing a tattoo on his thigh with the phrase: "What's next?"
