F1 star thanks Toto Wolff for letting him and non-Mercedes driver on private jet

A Formula 1 star has thanked Toto Wolff for giving him and another non-Mercedes driver a ride on a private jet.

Last weekend, the second race of the 2026 F1 season took place around the Shanghai International Circuit in China.

Similar to the Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes dominated again, with Kimi Antonelli winning ahead of teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.

The podium in China was Hamilton's first top-three finish since joining Ferrari at the start of 2025.

With no races until the end of the month, the majority of the F1 grid made their way home from China following Sunday's Grand Prix.

Taking to social media on Monday, Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas thanked Mercedes team boss Wolff for a lift.

Posting a picture of himself with Mercedes driver Russell and Ferrari star Hamilton, Bottas wrote: "Thank you for the lift home Toto."

Before moving to Cadillac, Bottas spent five years at Mercedes, driving for Wolff alongside Hamilton.

In total, the 36-year-old secured 10 wins during his time with the Brackley-based team.

Upon leaving Mercedes in 2021, Bottas moved to Alfa Romeo, who later rebranded to Stake F1 Kick Sauber.

In 2025, Bottas was the reserve driver for Mercedes and was then signed by Cadillac for 2026.

Speaking after finishing 13th in Shanghai, Bottas said: "A great result for the team to finish with both cars in P13 and P15 in only our second Grand Prix. It’s not something I expected as other teams had multiple issues across the race. From my side, I had a relatively trouble-free race, which put us in a solid finishing position.

"We were racing and managed to get Aston Martin with some good battles. We’ve clearly made progress in all the areas needed from race one to race two. I’m really proud of this team as we’re heading in the right direction, but we know there’s still work to do."

The 2026 F1 season will continue with the Japanese Grand Prix, taking place around the famous Suzuka Circuit on March 29.