Since he became available on the F1 driver market<\/a>, the 35-year-old has constantly popped up in conversations for a possible return in 2026. Bottas has been heavily linked with Cadillac<\/a> as they assess their options for their debut season.<\/p>\n However, Alpine<\/a> 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 \u2018offer on the table\u2019<\/a> from the Enstone outfit as they try to attract an experienced driver to the team.<\/p>\n The move would make sense, given that Alpine will run with Mercedes engines from 2026<\/a>. However, it has been reported that Bottas is not an option to replace Colapinto<\/a> this season, as he favours a move to Cadillac<\/a>.<\/p>\n Martin Brundle made a \u2018need you back\u2019 plea to Bottas<\/a> on the grid at the Belgian Grand Prix<\/a>. Several key figures want to see the Finn in an F1 car again, and he could be close to making that happen.<\/p>\n Reports have suggested that Bottas has agreed terms with Cadillac<\/a>, but has yet to sign a deal for 2026. Others have reported that Cadillac have not discussed contract terms with Bottas<\/a>, but he remains one of their top candidates.<\/p>\n At the Belgian GP, F1 photographer Kym Illman spoke with Bottas about his links to Cadillac. The Finn admitted that he was \u2018close\u2019 to signing a deal, but he has not put pen to paper just yet.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cThis is Valtteri Bottas out in pit lane on Sunday before the race, and I had a chat with him and said: \u2018Look, I\u2019ve seen a couple of very strong reports saying that you\u2019ve already signed with Cadillac,\u201d said Illman via his YouTube channel.<\/p>\n \u201cHe said: \u2018No, I haven\u2019t signed with Cadillac, but we are close\u2019. Of course, close doesn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE:\u00a0Valtteri Bottas\u2019 life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin<\/a><\/p>\n With Bottas being in a strong position to sign with F1\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Felipe Drugovich is a top candidate for Cadillac<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n![\"Mercedes](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2210073899-1024x666.jpg\")
Photo by Bryn Lennon \u2013 Formula 1\/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesValtteri Bottas admitted he is \u2018close\u2019 to signing a deal with Cadillac for 2026<\/p>\n![\"Cadillac](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2212734310-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by GIORGIO VIERA\/AFP via Getty ImagesWho will be Valtteri Bottas\u2019 teammate in 2026? Cadillac may have finally decided<\/p>\n