F1 star to drive for both Mercedes and McLaren in 2025 due to shock loophole
A Formula 1 star could drive for both Mercedes and McLaren due to a contract loophole.
Two weeks ago, the 2025 F1 season started with a bang as the Australian Grand Prix took place in Melbourne.
Last weekend, the Chinese Grand Prix was held in Shanghai, with Oscar Piastri winning ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris and Mercedes star George Russell.
Red Bull have already made a big call as they announced on Thursday morning that Liam Lawson will be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda ahead of next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.
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Prior to the start of the season, it was confirmed that former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas had made a return to the team, taking up the reserve driver role for 2025.
However, it was claimed that Bottas had taken part in a test session for McLaren.
As reported by Planet F1, Bottas was allowed to drive for McLaren due to a clause in his contract.
The report stated: "Bottas is taking part in the test to familiarise himself with the McLaren team should they need to call upon him in the event of Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri being unable to compete, McLaren having access to the Mercedes driver pool as part of an agreement with the team, which supplies their power units.
"The test sparked media speculation that Bottas would take on the role of McLaren reserve driver, but PlanetF1.com understands this to be wide of the mark, and he remains Mercedes’ reserve driver, not McLaren’s."
Apart from McLaren, Mercedes also provide power units for Aston Martin and Williams.
Speaking about his role, Bottas said: "As the third driver, I’ll be at every race, involved with everything to do with performance on and off track.
"Whether its set-up or driving, I’ll be trying to use my experience to contribute to this great team. I’ll be getting stuck into data, looking at George and Kimi’s onboards, providing that extra pair of eyes. Hopefully, I can keep driving and do some testing too."
F1 will return next weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix, which will be held around the Suzuka Circuit.
Marcus Chan