Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas believes any potential of occupying a Red Bull seat in 2025 ended quickly due to a sense of dislike from at least one person within the team.

"It was put down quite quickly because I think there's certain persons or a person within the Red Bull organization that for some reason is not a big fan of mine. But that's life," Bottas said on F1's "Beyond The Grid" podcast.

It's believed Bottas was referring to Red Bull senior adviser Helmut Marko, who's not keen on the Finnish driver and was upset in 2021 when Bottas started a major crash in Hungary that caused severe damage to Max Verstappen's car, according to Scott Mitchell-Malm of The Race.

Bottas, who was unable to find a race seat for 2025 after being let go by Sauber following last season, is still eyeing a return to the grid for 2026. He adds he's unsure whether Red Bull would ever divert from its junior academy but thinks the team could benefit from a seasoned driver.

"It's a tough one because it seems like it's not an easy car to drive," Bottas explained. "Obviously Max is doing the job. He's really pushing almost beyond the limits of the car, and whoever has been alongside him hasn't looked great.

"I just wonder if that car to be driven fast needs a driver with experience. That's my speculation, but I think they know that I'm keen to race. They know that I would be available for next year, but I don't know their mindset on that."

Red Bull is already on its second driver to partner Verstappen this season and third since 2024. Yuki Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson, who took over for Sergio Perez to start the 2025 campaign.

Bottas, who has 10 wins, 20 poles, and 67 podiums over his career, revealed his management team has likely had talks with Alpine for 2026. He also noted the possibility of joining newcomer Cadillac next season, calling it a "very interesting project."