Valtteri Bottas has withdrawn from the Race of Champions in Sweden. Former world champion Mika Häkkinen revealed that the former Mercedes driver withdrew from the event at the last minute. Bottas and Hakkinen were supposed to be teammates for team Finland at the event.

Mika mentioned Valtteri had to cancel because of some prior commitments. “Valtteri had some commitments to fulfill, so he withdrew from the event at the last minute. I’m happy to race with Emma. It’s going to be great,” said Hakkinen.

W series driver Emma Kimilainen replaced him at the event and joined team Finland. “It’s an honor to be here. He [Hakkinen] is my childhood hero,” said Emma, after joining the team.

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We have become good friends with Mika: Valtteri Bottas

As reported by Formula1.com, the Alfa Romeo driver was very much looking forward to the Race of Champions. Bottas previously mentioned that he was eager to represent the Finnish team and partner with Hakkinen.

“We have become good friends with Mika, so I’m very happy to have him as my teammate representing Finland in the ROC Nations Cup. But then, of course, we have to try to beat each other in the individual Race Of Champions. It will be entertaining for the fans, whoever wins it,” said Valtteri.

It is a shame that Bottas will miss the Race of Champions in Sweden. The Finnish fans were very much looking forward to seeing him race in the icy conditions in Sweden. Valtteri is an excellent Rally driver and his drifting skills would have paid dividends in the conditions. It would be fascinating to see how the Finnish team now fares at the event amidst the absence of their star driver.

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