Valtteri Bottas said he is satisfied with his return to Formula 1 and downplayed the criticisms made by other drivers regarding the category’s new cars. The Finn highlighted that his priority is to seize the opportunity to compete again after a year off the grid.
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Back in the category with Cadillac, Bottas faces his comeback season amidst significant changes in the technical regulations. The new rules have increased the demand for energy management, a factor that has generated complaints among several drivers, but the experienced competitor has adopted a different stance.
Bottas highlighted that criticisms are natural when there are significant changes: “It’s different. Whenever there is a change, initially, in the first period, someone complains,” stated the experienced driver. According to him, competitors are still in the process of adapting and continue to work to optimize performance with the power unit.
The Finn also highlighted that the new cars require more attention from drivers during qualifying sessions and races: “There are more things to think about as a driver. There are more situations that can go wrong with energy deployment, whether in the qualifying session or the race,” he explained. Even so, Bottas emphasized that this reality applies to everyone on the grid.
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After spending the 2025 season as a reserve driver at Mercedes, Bottas stated that the prevailing feeling is satisfaction at competing full-time again. The return with Cadillac marked his comeback to the grid at a time of technical transformation in the category: “For me, the main thing is that I am very happy to be back, happy to be racing in Formula 1,” he said. The driver made it clear that, despite the changes, he sees no reason for criticism and highlighted that he is enjoying the experience with the new car.
Bottas also praised the behavior of the cars and the quality of the battles in this early stage of the season: “I see no reason to complain. It’s different, but I’m enjoying the car. The cars are fun to drive, the races have been good,” he added.
He also acknowledged that energy management requires more attention, but reinforced that this is part of adapting to the new regulations: “Maybe it’s necessary to manage a bit more here and there, but it’s just different,” he concluded, showing confidence in his new phase in Formula 1.
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