Valtteri Bottas has given further insight into his "support" role at Mercedes during the 2025 F1 season, his first campaign off the grid since his debut in 2013. The Finnish driver returned "home" to the Brackley-based squad after losing his race seat at Stake at the end of last year, with the future Audi team preferring Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. There has been speculation over the extent to which Bottas will help rookie Kimi Antonelli over his debut season, but the 35-year-old has reiterated how closely he will work with George Russell's new team-mate, claiming he will be an "extra set of eyes" to look after the Italian youngster. "I couldn't be happier to be back with Mercedes," the 10-time grand prix winner said upon the launch of Mercedes' new car, the W16. "It feels like I'm home. "It's been great to catch up with former colleagues and I'm really looking forward to helping the team both on and off the track. "As third driver, I will be at every grand prix providing support and that extra set of eyes. I will also be at the factory helping develop the car in the simulator too. I can't wait to get started."
Mercedes Launch
A key distinction
As Bottas highlighted, he is the team's "third driver" and as such will almost certainly be the one to replace Antonelli or Russell if required. That also underpins a distinction between his role and that of Frederik Vesti, who continues with Mercedes in a "reserve" capacity. "It's great to return for another year as reserve driver," the Danish driver said. "I've been a part of the Mercedes team for several years now and it really is my family. "I'm looking forward to working with George, Kimi, Valtteri, and the wider team to help develop the car and push the team forward."
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