Valtteri Bottas is in advanced talks to make a return to Mercedes as their reserve driver for next season following Mick Schumacher's departure from the role - a move that Lewis Hamilton would seemingly approve of.
Speaking ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, the Finnish driver confirmed: "We're talking and it's going well. Still a bit of work to do but we're talking."
The potential move would mark Bottas' return to the team where he spent five successful seasons as Hamilton's teammate from 2017 to 2021.
During his time at Mercedes, Bottas claimed 10 Formula 1 race victories across five seasons whilst partnering Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton called Valtteri Bottas his best team-mate
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The pair enjoyed a strong working relationship with Hamilton calling Bottas 'the best team-mate I've had the pleasure of working with' when he left in 2021.
Hamilton and Bottas have remained close friends since their time together at Mercedes and it appears as though the latter may be set to make a return just as Hamilton will depart for Ferrari.
Bottas' current season with Sauber has proven challenging, with the Finnish driver yet to score a point, but he's on course to join Mercedes as the reserve driver for next year.
The move comes as Sauber prepares for significant changes, with the team set to replace both Bottas and teammate Zhou Guanyu with a new driver line-up consisting of Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto.
A key part of Bottas' potential role would be mentoring 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will partner George Russell at Mercedes when Hamilton departs for Ferrari in 2025.
Bottas expressed enthusiasm about the mentoring opportunity, stating: "If I end up there, I think I would have a lot to give for a rookie driver who has not raced in Formula 1 yet.
Mick Schumacher will leave Mercedes next year
PA"That would be, for sure, one part of my role, to give my input and try to share my knowledge as much as I can."
Beyond his potential Mercedes role, Bottas is actively exploring future opportunities in Formula 1.
The Finnish driver has expressed interest in the new Cadillac team, which is set to join F1 as the 11th team on the grid in 2026.
"It's interesting to me, and I think it's great for F1. It's a great brand and GM is a big backer behind, so for sure, it's an interesting project," Bottas said.
He indicated he would seek discussions with Cadillac about possible opportunities.
Schumacher, son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, is departing his role as Mercedes reserve driver after two years.
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Lewis Hamilton had a strong relationship with Valtteri Bottas during their time at Mercedes together
PAThe German driver expressed his desire to return to full-time racing, stating: "It's tough to watch F1 cars race without being able to take part."
"I want to get back to focusing 100 percent on racing. I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver."
