Valtteri Bottas, a renowned F1 driver, was rumored to be an option for Red Bull’s 2026 line-up. However, internal issues seem to stand in his way.
- Despite Bottas’ availability for a Red Bull seat in 2026, certain Red Bull insiders reportedly have reservations about him.
- After leaving Sauber in 2024, Bottas returned to Mercedes, fueling speculation about a move to Red Bull amid discussions on driver changes.
- The performance of Red Bull’s current second driver has sparked debate, with Bottas himself pondering the need for experience in that role.
- A mysterious internal opposition casts a shadow over Bottas’ potential future with Red Bull, highlighting the unpredictable nature of F1 politics.
Valtteri Bottas, known for his impressive track record, is at the center of F1’s latest buzz. Rumors circulated about his potential move to Red Bull for the 2026 season, especially after he became available following Sauber’s decision to pursue a new lineup featuring Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver, Bottas’ name has been floated around various teams, most notably Red Bull, after Sergio Perez’s performance took a dive compared to Max Verstappen’s dominating form.
Red Bull faced a critical moment when they needed to replace Perez. Their choice to promote Liam Lawson was short-lived, lasting only two race weekends before Yuki Tsunoda was brought in. Despite his efforts, Tsunoda’s performance has not met expectations, leaving Red Bull searching for solutions to strengthen their driver’s line-up. Bottas brings a wealth of experience, contributing to Mercedes’ five consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2017 to 2021, making him a compelling candidate for the team.
Bottas himself has expressed curiosity about whether Red Bull might benefit from an experienced hand to elevate their second car’s performance. “It’s a tough one because it seems like it’s not an easy car to drive,” Bottas noted, pointing out Verstappen’s unique ability to push the car beyond its perceived limits. Bottas speculates whether a seasoned driver could help bridge the gap between Verstappen and his teammates.
However, Bottas acknowledged an obstacle in his path: personal resistance from within Red Bull itself. During a conversation on the Beyond The Grid podcast, he hinted at an internal force against him, stating, “I think there’s certain persons, or a person, within the Red Bull organization that, for some reason, is not a big fan of mine, but that’s life.” This internal dynamic has complicated any potential move, despite Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extending until 2028, while Tsunoda’s future remains uncertain.
Valtteri Bottas’ potential shift to Red Bull remains uncertain, overshadowed by internal politics and personal biases within the team.
