Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Kenzo Tribouillard
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Kenzo Tribouillard
After months of speculations regarding Valtteri Bottas’ future, the rumor mill has now stopped. Alfa Romeo have announced that the Finn will replace Kimi Raikkonen next season.
Given his streak of performances of late, many expected his departure from Mercedes to come sooner than later. However, in a recent interview, Bottas revealed that he wasn’t very keen on staying with the German team either.
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What did Valtteri Bottas say?
During an interview with MTV Sports, when asked if he wanted to leave Mercedes and pursue his career somewhere else, Bottas replied, “Indeed. Yes.
“If Mercedes had offered a multi-year contract, then it would certainly have been the number one option. But in one year I would not have left to continue.”
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 4, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas reacts after qualifying in second position REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
In addition, the Finn revealed leaving the Brackley-based team next season was in his own interest.
“Again, the situation was the same with Mercedes in the spring and summer that at some point we had to start discussing a new agreement”
“How things went and what kind of feelings I had, and actually the team, so it was time for a consensus to do so.” (Translated via Google Translate)
Frederic Vasseur confirms Bottas will be the team leader of Alfa Romeo
Valtteri Bottas has been overshadowed by his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, after playing a supporting role and assisting the Knight to four world championships.
Meanwhile, now Alfa Romeo team principal, Frederic Vasseur has confirmed that Bottas will be their lead driver next season.
“I’m convinced that Valtteri can have the position of leader. I don’t have a leader, but at least in terms of experience and so on, he will be the leader of the team,” said Vasseur.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4, 2021. Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas celebrates second place with the trophy on the podium Pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna.
“And I think for him, it will be an opportunity to become the leader, to show the direction. And I think he’s also looking for something like this.”
Can Valtteri Bottas lead the Alfa Romeo from the bottom of the grid to midfield next season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section.
