Horner: Red Bull opted for 'young talent' over Bottas in decision for '25

Christian Horner has explained that Red Bull opted for younger, homegrown talent in their search for their second driver. There were still experienced options out there for Red Bull, like Valtteri Bottas, who left Sauber at the end of the 2024 season. Instead, the Finn will be Mercedes’s third driver for 2025. Before returning to the old nest, Bottas admitted – to GPblog and others – that Red Bull Racing had been contacted by his management for a possible spot there. Bottas claimed that he was told “no”.