Bottas insists he has Cadillac ’ticket’ for 2027

Valtteri Bottas has again dismissed speculation that Colton Herta could replace him at Cadillac next season, insisting his 2027 seat is already secured.

The Finn turns 37 between Zandvoort and Monza, but told Ilta-Sanomat that age is not becoming a factor.

"This is a good age to continue my career," said the former Mercedes driver.

"At no point has it felt like anything has gotten worse. My physique is good and I gain more experience every year. My reaction times are still the same as when I started driving."

"Nothing has gotten worse."

When asked about his future, Bottas was equally direct.

"I have a ticket here for next season and I will focus solely on continuing here," he answered.

That comes despite repeated rumours that Cadillac-backed Herta - currently collecting super license points in Formula 2 - could be promoted for 2027.

Bottas also gave a blunt assessment of Cadillac’s true competitive level amid a debut season still without points.

Asked what the team could achieve if the car worked properly and reliability problems disappeared, he answered: "We wouldn’t be able to get into the points yet, because the gap to the others exists."

"In the normal races, we could currently place somewhere around 18-20th place. That’s where we are."

"We need to get the reliability right so that we can finish every race."

Bottas also admitted Graeme Lowdon’s sudden removal surprised him, with Marcin Budkowski already newly installed in the team principal position.

"Of course it was a surprise in the middle of the season," Bottas said.

"I would think that such a change is a certain American way. When you see that something needs to be changed, then it is done quickly."

"Time will tell how the new guy performs his task."