Bottas open to Mercedes F1 return, could Mick Schumacher benefit?

Valtteri Bottas is open to a return to Mercedes, could this be Mick Schumacher's chance?

Valtteri Bottas has admitted that a return to Mercedes is an "option" for him in 2024, with the Finn's current Alfa Romeo contract expiring at the end of next season.

Bottas spent five seasons with Mercedes between 2017 and 2021, winning 10 races and finishing as runner-up in the drivers' championship twice.

He left the team at the end of last year to join Alfa Romeo, but has not ruled out a return to his former team.

"Mercedes is always an option," Bottas said. "I have a good relationship with Toto [Wolff] and the team. I know them well and I know the car. So, it's definitely an option."

Bottas's comments come at a time when Mercedes is facing an uncertain future.

Lewis Hamilton is out of contract at the end of 2023 and has yet to commit to a new deal.

If Hamilton does leave, Mercedes could be left with a vacancy alongside George Russell.

Bottas would be a strong candidate to fill that vacancy.

He is a proven race winner and has a good relationship with the team.

However, Mercedes may also be interested in promoting Mick Schumacher from their junior team.

Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, is currently racing for Haas.

He has shown some promising signs this season, but has also been hampered by the team's lack of competitiveness.

If Mercedes were to sign Schumacher, it would be a clear sign of their faith in the young German driver.

However, it would also be a gamble, as Schumacher has not yet proven himself at the top level of Formula 1.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to sign Bottas or Schumacher will depend on a number of factors, including Hamilton's future and the team's performance in 2023.

But one thing is for sure: Bottas's comments have opened the door to the possibility of a sensational return to Mercedes.