A Red Bull Revelation and Bottas’s Future: What the Latest F1 Rumors Mean for the Grid

Formula 1 never sleeps. Even in the gaps between races, stories about the past, present, and future of the grid keep fans debating what might have been — and what’s still to come. Two developments have grabbed headlines this week: Helmut Marko’s revelation that Nico Hülkenberg almost joined Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2021, and growing reports that Valtteri Bottas is closing in on a return to the F1 grid with Cadillac when the American brand joins in 2026.

Both stories speak volumes about how decisions in Formula 1 can shape careers, reshape team dynamics, and alter the trajectory of the sport. Let’s break down what each of these updates means.

The Red Bull Revelation: Hülkenberg Nearly Teamed with Verstappen

When Alex Albon was dropped from Red Bull’s lineup at the end of the 2020 season, the Milton Keynes team had a crucial decision to make. Verstappen was clearly the team’s star driver, capable of challenging Mercedes if given the right machinery. But Red Bull had struggled to find a reliable teammate who could consistently bring home points and push the team forward in the Constructors’ Championship.

Ultimately, Red Bull signed Sergio Pérez, fresh off a stellar season with Racing Point that included his unforgettable victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain. That win in particular put Pérez in the spotlight, convincing Red Bull that he was the man to replace Albon.

But according to Helmut Marko, Pérez was not the only name seriously in contention. Speaking recently on the F1 Insider podcast, as quoted by the Daily Express, Marko revealed that Nico Hülkenberg was nearly handed the coveted seat.

“At the time, Hülkenberg was already working as a co-commentator at Servus TV, so there was a relationship there,” Marko explained. “Talks had begun, but then Pérez won that race in Bahrain, and everything turned in his direction. It would have been nice, because Nico and Max get along very well. Hülkenberg is a safe bet for points, and in our car, he would have been fighting for top positions.”

What Hülkenberg Could Have Brought to Red Bull

Hülkenberg has long been respected in the paddock as one of the most consistent and technically gifted drivers of his generation. Since making his F1 debut with Williams in 2010 — where he stunned the sport with a pole position in Brazil — the German has built a reputation for bringing cars home reliably in the points.

There were standout moments throughout his career: his near-win at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix for Force India, strong midfield campaigns with Renault, and his knack for delivering whenever teams called him in as a last-minute replacement.

Yet, Hülkenberg also carried an unwanted record for much of his career: the driver with the most race starts without a podium. While he has often been a model of consistency, he never found himself in a car capable of challenging at the very front.

Had Red Bull chosen him instead of Pérez in 2021, that statistic might have changed very quickly. Paired with Verstappen, Hülkenberg could have provided Red Bull with a calm, reliable presence in the second car — something they often lacked when drivers like Pierre Gasly or Albon struggled under the pressure.

Would Hülkenberg Have Thrived?

That said, hindsight cuts both ways. Pérez has been instrumental in Red Bull’s success, particularly with his defensive heroics against Lewis Hamilton at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — a moment that directly contributed to Verstappen’s first world title.

Would Hülkenberg have played the same role? It’s impossible to say. His consistency is unquestionable, but whether he could have matched Pérez’s opportunistic racecraft in those high-stakes moments is up for debate.

Still, Marko’s comments offer fans a fascinating “what if” scenario. Just as quickly as fortunes can change in Formula 1, a single race win — like Pérez’s in Sakhir — can alter the course of careers and reshape the grid.

Bottas and Cadillac: A Formula 1 Return in 2026?

Fast forward to the future: another experienced driver could soon be finding his way back to a full-time seat in Formula 1. Valtteri Bottas, the former Mercedes driver and current reserve for the Silver Arrows, is reportedly on the verge of signing with Cadillac as the American manufacturer prepares to enter the grid in 2026.

According to PlanetF1, multiple sources indicate that Bottas and Cadillac have reached common ground on an agreement, with only the final signatures pending. If true, Bottas would be presented as part of the team’s inaugural driver lineup as early as next week.

This follows earlier reports that Sergio Pérez has also been linked to Cadillac, potentially giving the team a very experienced driver pairing for their debut season.

Why Cadillac Wants Experience

Entering Formula 1 as a new team in 2026 is no small challenge. The technical regulations will undergo major changes that year, including a greater focus on sustainable fuels and more simplified power units. For a fresh entrant like Cadillac, having drivers who know the sport inside and out is essential.

Bottas fits that bill perfectly. With 10 race wins, 67 podiums, and five seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes during the height of their dominance, the Finn brings invaluable knowledge of car development and race strategy at the front of the grid.

Paired with Pérez — if both deals are confirmed — Cadillac would instantly gain a driver lineup capable of guiding engineers, scoring consistent points, and accelerating the team’s learning curve.

What It Means for Bottas

For Bottas, this represents a lifeline back into full-time racing after stepping back into a reserve role. At Mercedes, he played the loyal team player, often sacrificing his own results to support Hamilton’s title campaigns. Later, at Alfa Romeo (Sauber), he transitioned into more of a mentoring role as the team built toward Audi’s eventual entry in 2026.

Now, a move to Cadillac would allow him to lead a team from day one — something Bottas has never truly had the chance to do. Rather than being cast in Hamilton’s shadow or stuck in a midfield rebuild, he could be the face of Cadillac’s F1 journey.

Will He See Out His Mercedes Role?

Reports suggest Cadillac may officially announce Bottas soon, though it remains unclear whether he will immediately leave his reserve role at Mercedes or continue until the end of 2025.

In many ways, staying until the end of next season would make sense. Bottas is familiar with the team and its simulator work, and Mercedes would benefit from his input as they fight to return to the front. At the same time, Cadillac would likely want him integrated as early as possible to help shape the new project.

Looking Ahead

If both these stories play out as reported, Formula 1 fans are in for a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. The revelation about Hülkenberg reminds us of how razor-thin the margins can be when teams decide their lineups. One race win swung Red Bull’s decision in Pérez’s favor, changing not only his career but also Verstappen’s title trajectory.

Meanwhile, Bottas’s potential move to Cadillac signals how much value experienced drivers still bring to the grid. For all the excitement around young talents like Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and George Russell, there’s still a premium placed on drivers who know how to develop cars, manage pressure, and mentor teams in transition.

Cadillac’s choice to prioritize proven veterans shows that they’re taking their entry seriously — aiming for credibility and competitiveness rather than simply making up the numbers.

Conclusion

Formula 1’s past, present, and future intersect in fascinating ways. Nico Hülkenberg could have been Max Verstappen’s partner in 2021, rewriting recent F1 history. Instead, Sergio Pérez seized the moment and helped power Red Bull to dominance.

Looking ahead, Valtteri Bottas could soon be steering Cadillac into its first Formula 1 adventure, bringing his wealth of experience to guide a new team through the challenges of 2026 and beyond.

As ever in Formula 1, decisions about driver lineups are rarely just about talent — they’re about timing, opportunity, and sometimes one perfect result that changes everything.