Ever since Alfa Romeo went its separate ways, pundits and fans have been speculating whether Valtteri Bottas will return to Mercedes. Yes, but not in the way we had previously assumed!
If former F1 driver and current insider Christian Fittipaldi's information is correct, Bottas could return as Toto Wolff's right-hand man, in a sort of mentoring role. The example of a right-hand man is not an exaggeration at all, as according to Fittipaldi, Bottas is taking over from Jerome d'Ambrosio, who is leaving for Ferrari.
Just how big a leap it will be for the Finn is illustrated by the fact that d'Ambrosia was considered a serious candidate to take over as Mercedes team principal after Wolff's departure. He has led Mercedes as deputy on several occasions. If the report is true, it could also be great news for new driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has a great relationship with the Finn, and for Valtteri Bottas, it would be hard to find someone better to help him adapt to the new driver.
