2020 Russian GP SOCHI AUTODROM, RUSSIAN FEDERATION - SEPTEMBER 27: Race Winner Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 celebrates on the podium with the trophy during the Russian GP at Sochi Autodrom on Sunday September 27, 2020 in Sochi, Russian Federation. Photo by Andy Hone / LAT Images Images PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY GP2010_130220_ONZ0703
Valtteri Bottas is a veteran Formula 1 driver and has 10 race wins to his name throughout his illustrious F1 career
Valtteri Bottas is one of the most recognisable faces in the sport of Formula 1. He made his debut back in 2013 and presently drives for the Alfa Romeo F1 team. Bottas has taken pole position 20 times in his career. Bottas has 67 podium finishes to his name throughout his illustrious F1 career. The Finnish driver secured a podium spot last season, finishing third with Mercedes. Bottas made a decent start to the 2022 F1 season with a P6 finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix but failed to register a timing in Jeddah.
Bottas has been replaced by George Russell at Mercedes. In spite of the switch, Bottas shares a very healthy relationship with his former team and colleagues. Bottas is one of the most respected drivers in the F1 community.
Valtteri Bottas was very impressive in the qualifying session of the Bahrain Grand Prix lined up alongside former team-mate Lewis Hamilton on the starting grid. Bottas started in the 6th position, 3 spots ahead of his replacement in Mercedes, George Russell. Bottas certainly exceeded expectations in the qualifying session. Ahead of the opening race of the season, Bottas showed exemplary sporting spirit and conveyed his best wishes to his former team principal Toto Wolff.
Mercedes co-owner, team principal and CEO, Toto Wolff revealed that his former driver, Bottas sent him a personal message ahead of the Bahrain race. Wolff told the media that he received a Whatsapp text from Bottas – “looking forward to racing you guys tomorrow.” Both Wolff and Bottas share mutual respect for each other. “I’m happy for Valtteri that he has made the move to Alfa and he’s the lead driver. As far as I understand, he’s bringing his great personality to the team and he’s energising the team”, said Wolff.
Despite the good showing in Bahrain, Bottas finds himself down the standings of the drivers’ championship leaderboard. He failed to finish the race in Saudi Arabia and would be looking to have a good outing in Melbourne this weekend.
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