Jonas Leo
Valtteri Bottas, the seasoned Finnish Formula 1 driver, is set to make a high-profile appearance at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, where he will pilot the historic Ferrari 156/85 from the 1985 Formula 1 season. This rare demonstration, scheduled for late February and early March, offers a poignant bridge between F1’s storied past and Bottas’s anticipated return to a full-time racing seat in the championship for the 2026 season with the new Cadillac team.
The Adelaide Motorsport Festival, a revered event for motorsport enthusiasts, is slated to run from February 28 to March 1. Historically, the festival serves as a prelude to the start of the global Formula 1 season, which typically commences with the Australian Grand Prix held annually in March. Bottas’s participation underscores the festival’s growing prestige in attracting current and former F1 talent to celebrate the sport’s rich heritage on the iconic street circuit of Adelaide.
Central to Bottas’s appearance will be his drive in the Ferrari 156/85. This particular chassis holds a significant place in Ferrari’s illustrious history, representing their challenge in the fiercely competitive turbo-era of Formula 1. Designed by Harvey Postlethwaite and Antonio Tomaini, and powered by the potent Tipo 031 V6 turbo engine, the 156/85 was a formidable machine in its day. In the 1985 season, the car secured two Grand Prix victories for Ferrari, both claimed by Italian driver Michele Alboreto at the Canadian and German Grands Prix. Alboreto, a popular figure, finished second in the Drivers’ Championship that year, marking a strong performance for the Scuderia. Stefan Johansson, who will join Bottas in Adelaide, also drove the 156/85 during the latter half of the 1985 season, securing several podium finishes. His deep personal connection to the car will be evident as he pilots his own No. 28 Ferrari 156/85 alongside Bottas.
For fans attending the festival, the spectacle of two Ferrari 156/85s thundering around the Adelaide circuit promises to be a major highlight. Bottas and Johansson are scheduled to drive the historic Ferraris in a dedicated demonstration session at 1:45 PM on Sunday, offering a rare opportunity to witness these legendary machines in action. Beyond the Ferrari, Bottas will also engage with Australian motorsport culture by driving a V8 Holden HQ Monaro for a separate demonstration run at 11:30 AM on the same day, showcasing his versatility and appeal to a broader audience.
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Bottas’s presence at the festival takes on added significance given the recent developments surrounding his Formula 1 career. After a challenging period that saw him fail to secure a full-time contract for the 2025 F1 season, the 36-year-old Finn returned to Mercedes, the team with which he achieved 10 Grand Prix victories and two Constructors’ Championships, albeit in a reserve driver capacity. This interim role allowed Bottas to maintain his connection to the sport while actively pursuing a seat for the 2026 season, which is set to usher in a new era of technical regulations.
The uncertainty surrounding Bottas’s immediate future was resolved with a significant announcement: his confirmation as a full-time driver for the Cadillac team, set to make its highly anticipated debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season. This move sees Bottas partnering with former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, forming an experienced driver lineup for the new American outfit. The Cadillac entry marks a substantial expansion for the F1 grid, bringing the total number of teams to 11 and injecting fresh competition and an iconic American brand into the sport’s highest echelon.
Cadillac’s arrival coincides with a comprehensive overhaul of Formula 1’s technical regulations for 2026, designed to promote sustainability, increase competition, and enhance the racing spectacle. These changes include a mandate for smaller, lighter cars, aiming to improve agility and reduce overall mass. A significant shift in power unit architecture will see an equal 50/50 split between internal combustion engine (ICE) power and electric power, moving towards a more electrified and environmentally conscious future. Furthermore, the sport will embrace 100% sustainable fuel, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Aerodynamic regulations will also undergo a radical transformation, with the Drag Reduction System (DRS) set to be replaced by active aerodynamics, allowing drivers to dynamically adjust their car’s wing elements for optimal performance and overtaking opportunities. These sweeping changes present a unique challenge and opportunity for new entrants like Cadillac, as all teams will be starting on a relatively level playing field in terms of adapting to the new technical landscape.
Bottas himself expressed considerable enthusiasm for his upcoming chapter with Cadillac. "From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded," Bottas stated regarding his move. "This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision." His comments underscore the strategic depth and commitment he perceives within the new team. He further elaborated on the rare opportunity to be part of a foundational project: "It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid."
The Finn, known for his methodical approach and technical feedback, highlighted the professionalism he has already observed. "I’ve had the honour of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here," he noted, drawing parallels to his time with championship-winning outfits like Mercedes. Bottas also acknowledged the historical significance of his new venture: "This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world." He concluded by extending gratitude to Mercedes for their support in facilitating his transition.
Valtteri Bottas’s career in Formula 1 has seen him compete in over 200 Grands Prix, securing 10 victories, 20 pole positions, and 67 podium finishes. His tenure at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 saw him play a crucial role in the team’s Constructors’ Championship dominance, often operating as a key wingman to Lewis Hamilton. Following his time at Mercedes, he moved to Sauber (later Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber), where he provided invaluable experience and leadership to the Swiss outfit during a transitional period. His consistent performance and technical expertise make him a valuable asset for any new team, and his pairing with Sergio Perez brings a wealth of F1 experience and race-winning pedigree to Cadillac’s maiden season.
As the Adelaide Motorsport Festival prepares to welcome Bottas and the roar of a historic Ferrari, the event not only celebrates motorsport’s rich past but also provides a symbolic stage for a driver poised on the cusp of a significant new chapter in his Formula 1 career. The demonstration runs serve as a compelling reminder of the sport’s enduring appeal and the anticipation building for the radical changes and new entrants that await in 2026.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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