The Finnish driver, after spending a year on the sidelines at Mercedes as a reserve, is ready to throw himself back into competition for his second stint in Formula 1, having temporarily hung up his helmet at the end of 2024.

Unfortunately for the Finn, who will make his Cadillac debut in Melbourne next March, he will have to serve a five-place grid penalty following a collision with Kevin Magnussen at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The stewards deemed Valtteri Bottas at fault for the incident and handed him a penalty he was unable to serve this season, meaning it will now be applied at the first available opportunity — his opening race with Cadillac at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

With the first pre-season tests looming at the end of January at the Circuit de Montmeló, the Finn is already focused on being fully prepared for the next chapter of his Formula 1 career, following a year spent on the sidelines as a reserve driver with Mercedes.

In 2026, Bottas will line up alongside Sergio Perez at Cadillac, with the Mexican also returning to the grid after being released by Red Bull. Both drivers arrive with a point to prove, handing Cadillac what is set to be the most experienced driver line-up in the paddock.