Valtteri Bottas, a 33-year-old Finnish driver, competes for Alfa Romeo after driving 5 years alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Following his departure from the German producer, ten-time grand-prix winner Bottas signed a multi-year contract with Alfa Romeo final yr. We at Paddock Magazine had the alternative to stroll down to the grid with Valtteri Bottas earlier than the drivers’ parade at this yr’s remaining race in Abu Dhabi. Join us and stroll by means of the paddock with Valtteri.
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How may you summarize and price your first yr with Alfa Romeo?
Well, we began the season sturdy, however then there was a bit tough interval for us. I might most likely give myself 7.5 factors out of 10. Actually, it’s shut to what I anticipated coming into the season. There are many issues to enhance for the workforce and me. All in all, it’s been constructive.
Was it difficult to cope with the proven fact that you might not struggle for victories this yr?
It’s OK, I had to reset my objectives utterly, and I’ve no points with that. It’s a long-term challenge with the workforce, and we wish to get nearer to the prime positions collectively. My greatest motivation is to preserve enhancing and get ourselves additional up to the grid.
I’d most likely give myself 7.5 factors out of 10.
Valtteri Bottas
You suggested your teammate in Interlagos on the workforce radio the place to overtake the Williams. What is it like working with Guanyu?
He’s a wonderful driver and an clever man. He’s very younger however nonetheless mature. He’s an excellent workforce participant, due to this fact we are able to work properly collectively. He’s developed rather a lot by means of the season and has a shiny future forward.
Can you struggle for podiums in 2023?
We want to make an enormous step ahead for that. Never say by no means – it’s not unimaginable, but it surely doesn’t appear straightforward at this level. The predominant objective could be to end in the prime 10 persistently. If we are able to obtain that, we’d get a podium if we’ve a little bit of luck.
You mentioned earlier that you just take pleasure in F1 far more as you will have a multi-year contract. Is it since you put an excessive amount of strain on your self?
That’s true. I put an excessive amount of strain alone shoulders. I needed to get every part executed in a short time, and typically there have been higher methods of doing issues. In the meantime, I developed rather a lot, so it’s not an issue anymore.
You can all the time study from different drivers, but it surely was particular with Lewis.
Valtteri Bottas
Did you turn out to be a greater driver after racing a number of years alongside such a terrific champion like Lewis?
For positive, I discovered rather a lot from Lewis. You can all the time study from different drivers, but it surely was distinctive with Lewis, who’s a seven-time world champion. I discovered rather a lot from him about organising the automotive and dealing collectively for the workforce.
What’s the predominant distinction between the Mercedes and Alfa Romeo ambiance?
There is much less strain right here, that’s inevitable. We’re a small workforce, which is kind of beautiful and has many benefits. My function in the workforce is kind of completely different from what I had earlier than. I’ve extra duties, and I take pleasure in driving for Alfa Romeo rather a lot.
Is biking the predominant factor that retains you match for the races?
Yes, I spend a number of hours biking. I have already got some glorious and thrilling winter routes, so I’m wanting ahead to that.
Does that imply you’re going someplace scorching for a vacation?
I’ll be in Australia for round 5 – 6 weeks no less than, so the climate gained’t be an issue.
I’m not following it, and I don’t also have a favorite workforce.
Valtteri Bottas
We know you’re not an enormous fan of soccer. Are you following the World Cup nonetheless?
As you talked about – I’m probably not into soccer, so to be trustworthy with you, I’m not following it, and I don’t also have a favorite workforce.
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