Bottas set for Mercedes talks as he refutes ‘last F1 race’ claim

Valtteri Bottas has highlighted he does not feel as though the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is his final race of his F1 career.

Bottas will depart the Stake squad at the conclusion of the race weekend, with the team opting for a complete driver line-up change ahead of its 2026 switch to Audi.

No seat has been secured on next year's grid by Bottas - however he has already been linked with a drive for the Cadillac F1 outfit that is set to join in just over one year.

“This week I've started to realise it's getting towards the end - for now,” Bottas told media including RacingNews365. 

“I still don't think it's guaranteed that it's my last race - that's my, my feeling. 

“It should be an interesting weekend. Let's see if there are any emotions or if it's business as usual. And then we see afterward.”

Bottas has been open regarding talks with Mercedes to rejoin the team in 2025 as a reserve driver.

The position recently became vacant when the team confirmed Mick Schumacher had left to pursue new career opportunities.

Bottas outlined he will have fresh talks with the team after the race weekend in Abu Dhabi.

“Just because I'm in no rush,” Bottas replied when asked what was delaying the situation. 

“I want to see all the opportunities out there, but we're still in regular touch and we did agree that we're going to catch up after the last race. 

“It's been busy three weeks for everyone, so it's going to be easier next week, but there's no hurdles and such.

“We both have the interest. So it's just that either side, we haven't been in a rush to do anything.”