Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish driver, will exit Stake F1 at the end of the current Formula 1 season, as the team announced Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto will partner with Nico Hulkenberg next season. This decision will also see Guanyu Zhou depart from Stake. Following Stake Sauber's announcement, Mercedes expressed nostalgia for Bottas on social media, sharing a post with a quote, “I miss him and it’s just a sports player,” alongside an image of Bottas in Mercedes overalls.

Bottas, who joined Mercedes in 2017 as Nico Rosberg’s successor, played a key role in securing multiple constructors' championships. He was replaced by George Russell in 2022. Now, with Mercedes' current lineup featuring young talents George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Bottas could potentially return as a reserve driver, adding experience and depth to the team. Bottas has hinted he is exploring other options, including a possible role with Mercedes.