Valtteri’s return
Valtteri Bottas returns to F1 as a regular driver after spending a year on the ‘bench’ as Mercedes’ third driver, and his return did not go unnoticed starting from Thursday’s press conference. The Cadillac driver in fact put on one of his shows, sparking laughter from journalists, particularly with his prediction on what the outcome of the championship will be. Alongside George Russell, who is the name on everyone’s lips these days, the Finn mentioned the two Aston Martin drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, in what seemed like an obvious mockery, given the enormous troubles with which the Silverstone team presented itself at the start of this championship.
“Making a prediction now seems impossible to me, but if I really have to say something then I believe that Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso and George Russell will fight for the championship, because I think that [Aston Martin] is actually hiding – Bottas joked – so [Mercedes] will beat Aston Martin in the Abu Dhabi finale“, the former Sauber and Mercedes driver stated.
No more penalties
Speaking seriously then, Bottas revealed a surprise: his grid penalty, which he was supposed to serve for the accident that occurred in the last race of the 2024 season, his last in F1, has in fact been cancelled. It was known that the FIA had modified the regulations, cancelling any penalties older than 12 months, but it was thought that this rule was not retroactive. The Cadillac driver will therefore be able to start his 2026 World Championship from the grid position he obtains in qualifying.
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“You don’t follow me on Instagram, eh? – Bottas replied to the journalist who asked him for clarification regarding the penalty – I just made an announcement 20 minutes ago. Apparently it’s gone [the penalty]. Thanks to the new regulations, therefore, I will have no grid penalty”.
