Valtteri Bottas will get to work with Cadillac F1 workforce after emotional Mercedes farewell

Valtteri Bottas waved an emotional goodbye to Mercedes as he makes the swap to new Cadillac F1 workforce for 2026.

The 36-year-old Finn spent the 2025 marketing campaign as Mercedes’ reserve driver after Sauber selected to not renew his deal on the finish of 2024.

Bottas parted methods with the Brackley outfit who he drove alongside Lewis Hamilton for from 2026 to 2021 after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The ten-time grand prix winner has secured a full-time return to the F1 grid in 2026 with Cadillac, alongside former Purple Bull driver Sergio Perez.

Bottas shared a heartfelt message with Mercedes on his social media after formally departing the Silver Arrows.

“Thanks, Mercedes,” he wrote. “It was nice to be again with the household this season throughout my ‘hole 12 months’.

“This workforce at all times has a particular place in my coronary heart, and I actually respect the chance to be the third driver for the workforce.

“I now respect the workforce, the game, and each personnel concerned much more than earlier than. Wishing you all the most effective for the long run & see you round quickly!”

Bottas will get straight to work with Cadillac

Cadillac welcomed Bottas to workforce on Monday, posting an image of the Finn with the caption “the time is now”.

Mercedes allowed Bottas to begin work instantly following Sunday’s season finale.

Bottas has wasted no time getting embedded inside his new workforce and has already carried out a seat match for Cadillac.

“Hey, that’s a pleasant seat,” Bottas mentioned in a video shared by Cadillac on social media.

“Take a look at that. That’s a really good seat. It’s my seat.”