Valtteri Bottas has become one of the top free agents on the Formula 1 driver market for the 2026 season. Cadillac and Alpine are fighting for his signature.
The Finn is looking for a way back onto the grid next season, having lost his seat at Sauber at the end of 2024. He has been serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver in 2025, with Bottas playing a vital role in mentoring Kimi Antonelli during his rookie season.
Since he became available on the F1 driver market, the 35-year-old has constantly popped up in conversations for a possible return in 2026. Bottas has been heavily linked with Cadillac as they assess their options for their debut season.
However, Alpine have emerged as another option, as Flavio Briatore works out what to do with Franco Colapinto, who is desperately struggling in 2025. Bottas has an ‘offer on the table’ from the Enstone outfit as they try to attract an experienced driver to the team.
The move would make sense, given that Alpine will run with Mercedes engines from 2026. However, it has been reported that Bottas is not an option to replace Colapinto this season, as he favours a move to Cadillac.
Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesValtteri Bottas admitted he is ‘close’ to signing a deal with Cadillac for 2026
Martin Brundle made a ‘need you back’ plea to Bottas on the grid at the Belgian Grand Prix. Several key figures want to see the Finn in an F1 car again, and he could be close to making that happen.
Reports have suggested that Bottas has agreed terms with Cadillac, but has yet to sign a deal for 2026. Others have reported that Cadillac have not discussed contract terms with Bottas, but he remains one of their top candidates.
At the Belgian GP, F1 photographer Kym Illman spoke with Bottas about his links to Cadillac. The Finn admitted that he was ‘close’ to signing a deal, but he has not put pen to paper just yet.
“This is Valtteri Bottas out in pit lane on Sunday before the race, and I had a chat with him and said: ‘Look, I’ve seen a couple of very strong reports saying that you’ve already signed with Cadillac,” said Illman via his YouTube channel.
“He said: ‘No, I haven’t signed with Cadillac, but we are close’. Of course, close doesn’t mean guaranteed, but I think if I was a betting man, I might have a lazy wager on him being one of the two drivers for Cadillac next year.”
READ MORE: Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin
Photo by GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty ImagesWho will be Valtteri Bottas’ teammate in 2026? Cadillac may have finally decided
With Bottas being in a strong position to sign with F1’s 11th team, the conversation has also been on who will partner with him in 2026. Cadillac have spoken to a plethora of drivers in recent months, ranging from experienced drivers to rookies.
Felipe Drugovich is a top candidate for Cadillac as the Brazilian continues to search for a seat in F1. The General Motors-backed team may be his last chance to finally join the sport, having been passed over for opportunities since winning F2 in 2022.
Mick Schumacher is still in talks with Cadillac, despite rumours suggesting that he has been rejected by the team. However, the German may be set to miss out.
Cadillac have decided on Bottas and Sergio Perez for 2026, opting to bring in two veteran drivers. Perez is expected to be announced soon, and the Finn may follow suit and complete the team’s driver line-up imminently.