Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish Formula 1 legend, has done something that few could have expected: he has been officially confirmed as a driver for Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season. This news has shocked the world of motorsport and opened a new chapter in Finnish F1 history. Bottas’ move to Red Bull not only marks a new rise in his own career, but also the opportunity to see Finnish colors again in the top battles of the F1 series. The long-speculated move is now a reality, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting what the future holds.
Bottas, a 36-year-old from Nastola, is known for his calm but determined driving style. His career began with Williams in 2013, but his real breakthrough came during his years at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, when he drove alongside Lewis Hamilton and won ten races. During these years, Bottas showed his ability to act as a reliable second driver, but also to challenge the top drivers. A move to Sauber for the 2022 season did not bring the desired results, and the 2024 season ended without points, which made many doubt his chances of returning to the top. However, his return to Mercedes as a reserve driver in 2025 kept him in the F1 world, and now that perseverance has been rewarded.
Red Bull’s decision to hire Bottas has been widely discussed. The team’s second driver position has been problematic in the shadow of Max Verstappen’s dominance. Sergio Pérez, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda’s attempts to fill this role have not fully convinced the team’s management, and Bottas’ experience and ability to adapt to the role of second driver make him an ideal choice. Bottas himself has commented on the move, stating that he is ready to bring his experience to Red Bull and help the team fight for the championship. According to him, the Red Bull car requires experience from the driver to exploit its full potential, and he believes he is the right person for the job.
Bottas’ move to Red Bull was not an easy one. He has previously hinted that certain people in the Red Bull organisation, possibly the team’s advisor Helmut Marko, had reservations about him. In particular, the crash on the opening lap of the 2021 Hungarian GP, which caused significant damage to Verstappen’s car, may have influenced Marko’s views. However, Bottas’ persistence and active negotiations with his management team have clearly turned the situation in his favour. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has praised Bottas’ professionalism and believes that his experience will bring stability to the team’s driver line-up.
For Finnish F1 fans, this news is like a Christmas present. Finland has long been a motorsport powerhouse, thanks to legends like Kimi Räikkönen and Mika Häkkinen. Bottas’ move to Red Bull puts Finland back on the F1 map, and his role as one of the series’ most experienced drivers gives hope for success. Red Bull’s car has been one of the fastest in the series in recent years, and alongside Verstappen, Bottas has the chance to fight for podiums and even wins if the conditions are right.
Bottas’ career has been full of ups and downs, but his determination has made him a fan favorite. His laid-back attitude, sense of humor and passion for motorsport have been evident both on and off the track. For example, his love of coffee and cycling have brought him closer to his fans, and his brands, such as the launch of his own gin and wine, demonstrate his versatility. The move to Red Bull gives Bottas the opportunity to show that he still has something to offer F1.
The 2026 season will also bring new winds to the F1 series, with Cadillac joining the series as a new team. Bottas has previously been in contact with Cadillac, but Red Bull’s offer was apparently too tempting to pass up. His role at Red Bull could be decisive not only for the team’s success but also for the continuation of his own career. In Finland, the start of the season is already being eagerly awaited, and Bottas’ blue and white helmet in Red Bull’s colors is a sight that makes every Finn’s heart beat faster.
