Bottas pinpoints targets away from F1

Valtteri Bottas has shared which series he may turn his attention to after losing his full-time seat in F1 at the end of last season.

The Finnish driver has returned to Mercedes for 2025, where he has taken up the reserve role, in support of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Speaking exclusively to RacingNews365, the 35-year-old explains how he will supplement his new position, as he plans his return to the F1 grid in 2026.

First up for the 10-time grand prix winner will be the Race of Champions, which he will compete in alongside countryman and two-time F1 drivers' champion Mika Hakkinen. The event, which has run since 1988, will take place in Sydney, Australia, in early March.

"I will have a chance to do other stuff as well, yes," Bottas confirms when discussing how he will keep himself busy over the course of the year. "It will be the case [that he will compete elsewhere on the side].

"Next on is Race of Champions. That's in Sydney this year," the ex-Stake driver adds, who has become an adopted son to Australia.

He spends a lot of time there with his partner, Tiffany Cromwell, who is a professional cyclist and Australian native. Bottas is a big fan of the culture and lifestyle life down under allows him.

However, that is as far has his confirmed plans go, for now: "But no, I don't yet have the clear picture for one-off events and stuff like that, but that's something I need to start planning."

Permanent options

Over his three seasons at the Sauber entry - which moved from Alfa Romeo to Stake last year, ahead of its transition to the full Audi works team in 2026 - Bottas was unable to indulge in a passion and pastime of his, rallying.

Having believed he would be part of Audi's plans, the Finn now admits he regrets joining Stake, which opted to sign F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto to partner Nico Hulkenberg next season.

Meanwhile, rallying is something Bottas is keen to return to, in order to remain in racing shape as he plots his next permanent move in motorsport.

"Mainly for fun and keeping sharp, was rallying," he responds to being asked what he would like to try that is a bit different to his recent career.

"I've been not allowed to do rallying for the last three years. It's something that I did a bit before, which I really enjoyed. It's mainly just for fun and keeping sharp."

However, he is also interested in trying his hand at a popular Australian series, Supercars.

"But then I'm super open about other categories as well," he adds. "I've always wanted to try Supercars, see how it is."

Nonetheless, the primary focus remains single seaters, with Bottas revealing IndyCar would be his likely landing spot if he cannot secure a full-time drive in F1 for the 2026, when the grid will expand to 22 seats with Cadillac's arrival.

"Also, at the moment, I'm thinking, if Formula 1 for '26 wouldn't happen for some reason, then my focus probably would shift to IndyCar," he explains.

"So that's also something that could be interesting to try at least, to do some testing. Whether it's an IndyCar race or a test, that's something that's really interesting.

"[2026] is a long way away, but it will come quick, so my next move is a lot to do with '26 and [I'm] definitely planning that now."