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Bottas Returns to Mercedes, Lawson Joins Red Bull for 2025

In significant developments for the 2025 Formula 1 season, several key driver announcements have been made. Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish driver who has been a staple in F1 since 2013, will return to Mercedes but in a reserve driver capacity. After spending four years with Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, Bottas moved to Alfa Romeo Sauber, now known as Stake F1, but was not retained for the 2025 season. Instead, he will rejoin Mercedes behind George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, replacing Mick Schumacher who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Bottas expressed his happiness about returning to the team where he achieved all of his 10 grand prix victories[1][5].

Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Liam Lawson will partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 season. Lawson, a New Zealand driver, stepped up to Red Bull mid-way through the 2024 season and impressed with two points-scoring finishes. He graduated from F2 in 2023 and has been part of the Red Bull Junior Programme. Lawson described joining Red Bull as a `lifelong dream` and is eager to learn from Verstappen, a four-time world champion[2].

This move follows the announcement that Sergio Perez and Red Bull have agreed to part ways after four years together. Despite signing a new deal until 2026, Perez's form dipped significantly in the latter part of the 2024 season, leading to the mutual decision to split. Perez thanked the team for the opportunities and successes they shared, including two constructors' championships and five wins for him personally[3].

#F1,#Bottas,#Lawson,#RedBull,#Mercedes