Valtteri’s return
Valtteri Bottas he returns to F1 as a starter after spending a year on the ‘bench’ as Mercedes’ third driver and his return did not go unnoticed starting from Thursday’s press conference. In fact, the standard bearer of Cadillac has set up one of his own showtriggering laughter from journalists in particular with his prediction on what the outcome of the championship will be. Next to George Russell, who is the name on everyone’s lips these days, the Finn mentioned the two Aston Martin driversFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in what seemed like aobvious mockerygiven the enormous problems with which the Silverstone team faced 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 compete for the championship, because I think that [Aston Martin] he is actually hiding – joked Bottas – Therefore [la Mercedes] will beat Aston Martin in the final in Abu Dhabi“, ruled the former Sauber and Mercedes driver.
No more penalties
Speaking seriously then, Bottas revealed a surprise: it was in fact him The grid penalty he should have served for the accident that occurred in the last race of the 2024 season has been cancelled.his last in F1. It was known that the FIA had changed the regulations, canceling 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 will obtain in qualifying.
“You don’t follow me on Instagram huh? – Bottas replied to the journalist who asked him about the penalty – I just made an announcement 20 minutes ago. Apparently she disappeared [la penalità]. Thanks to the new regulation therefore I will not have any penalties on the grid“.
