Woe for Bottas' Cadillac debut drive confirmed? Find out here!

21:29, 21 Aug

Updated: 22:18, 21 Aug

byCas van de Kleut

Last season, Valtteri Bottas collided with Kevin Magnussen during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, earning a five-place grid penalty. Due to a rule change, any grid penalty that cannot be served within twelve months becomes void—but does this apply to Bottas?

Bottas is set to return to Formula 1 in 2026, a story GPblog reported weeks ago. The Finn will drive for Cadillac, who will make its F1 debut next season. While no official announcement has been made yet, one is expected soon.

Bottas in his reserve role at Mercedes

Bottas returns to Formula 1

With Bottas set to return to Formula 1, the question arose whether the Finn would still have to serve his grid penalty. Last season, while driving for Sauber, he collided with Magnussen during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He retired from the race and was subsequently handed a grid penalty for the next event.

Since Bottas won’t be on the grid in 2025, the penalty hasn’t yet been served. Recent regulation changes also raised questions about whether he would need to serve it upon his return, as grid penalties now expire if not served within 12 months.

Does Bottas's grid penalty still apply?

GPblog inquired with the FIA as to whether this would also apply to the first driver of the Cadillac team upon his return.

A spokesperson replied: "Currently the penalty will stand, as there is no mechanism to retroactively amend the penalty, that was applied under the regulations in force at the time. The change of regulation is intended to avoid similar anomalous situations in future."

Who will be Bottas's teammate at Cadillac is not yet clear. Sergio Perez's name is often mentioned, but GPblog was told that there is no signed agreement between the Mexican and the American team yet.