Overview
- Bottas told the Beyond the Grid podcast that he is eager to race in 2026 and open to joining any team.
- He said Red Bull is aware of his interest but that personal opposition within the organization has prevented formal discussions for its second seat.
- Alpine is conducting a driver audition for its vacant second seat under Mercedes power and has included Bottas on its longlist.
- Cadillac has wrapped up development of its 2026 prototype and is weighing experienced candidates, including Bottas and Sergio Perez.
- Red Bull plans to hand Yuki Tsunoda the second car as it prepares to part ways with Perez post-Abu Dhabi, while Mercedes intends to retain George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.