The silly season in Formula 1 is in full swing as drivers sort out their plans for the 2026 season, but there could still be movement on the grid this year.
A couple of teams have already changed their driver lineups compared to last year, including Red Bull who swapped Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda after the former underperformed in the first two races of the season.
Alpine has also made changes with Jack Doohan being replaced by Franco Colapinto, as they look to improve their position in the Constructors’ Championship.
The French outfit currently sits last on 11 points, as both drivers have struggled to bring home points in what has been one of the worst seasons so far for them.
Team executive Flavio Briatore could be forced to make more changes if Colapinto continues to struggle, and that might involve bringing back experienced driver Valtteri Bottas.
The Finn was asked about the possibility of an early return when speaking to Viaplay Sports.
Valtteri Bottas in discussions with Alpine over F1 return
Bottas teased fans with a video on social media that appeared to allude to getting a seat at Cadillac for next season, but there is also scope for him to join Alpine.
Should the French outfit decide that Colapinto has not provided them with the results they need after the summer break, Bottas has indicated that he has been in talks with Briatore.
MK: “So you’ve had discussions with Flavio Briatore?”
Bottas: “Yeah, you could say that.”
Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
Valtteri Bottas ‘ready’ to jump into car at any point
Having been out of the car for six months, naturally there are questions over whether Bottas would be ready to race.
The Finn has continued his training because of his status as Mercedes third driver, having been on standby for them if they need a replacement.
When asked if he is ready to jump in to the Alpine, Bottas replied: “Yes, I’m ready to jump into the car at any point. That feeling won’t go away and I’ve been able to test. There are more test days coming this summer, so we’ll be ready if the call comes through.”
Bottas last raced for Sauber on the F1 grid during the 2024 season, following a five-year stint at Mercedes in which he won 10 races.
