Bottas: “Mercedes? Everything is an option, but my priority is a long-term contract”

Valtteri Bottas accumulating 10 victories and 20 poles in F1 after his time in Mercedes. Now, on Stake F1 Team (Sauber, which will become Audi in 2026), away from the podiums, dreams of fighting them again in the future. In his 34 years He is one of many free drivers and has been considered for Williams, Mercedes or staying at Sauber. Before your fate is determined, studied MD in Imola.

How are you?

I’m fine, thank you very much.

He recently went to South Africa to compete in an extreme gravel bike race, the Swartberg 100 gravel race, 170 km and 2,900 meters of positive elevation gain. An atrocity. And he finished 6th! Can you explain to me where your passion for this modality comes from?

I have a great passion for cycling. It’s been happening for a few years now and I like the way I see things through cycling: different countries, different roads… I like to challenge myself and obviously it keeps me fit. But also mentally, it’s very good for me. So, yes, I liked the race in South Africa. I saw it a long time ago and I thought it was very beautiful, because of the scenery and everything else. It was also an opportunity to qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships, so I told myself that was one of my goals, and I achieved it, which is a very, very good thing.

With an incredible result, he managed to qualify for the Gravel World Championship, which will be held in Flanders (Belgium), from October 5 to 6. Have you decided if you will take part against the best in the world?

I’m going to the World Cup, yes. I will do it to gain experience. Obviously, I know I’m not in front because I’m not a professional. But I’m qualified for the race, so I’m sure I’ll be there and I’ll do my best.

And what is the purpose? Because there are many professional pilots, and it is very difficult. Maybe in the top 10?

No no. In reality, I will go with an open mind, really, to enjoy the event, to be a part of it. I think that’s the main thing for me.

And isn’t it dangerous for your sport?

I think it obviously depends on me. I have to leave some rooms. But… yes, some sports are dangerous, others not so much. But I feel comfortable on the bike and even ride in the group. So I think it’s okay.

With this passion for cycling, his viral advertising, his calendar showing his butt…he’s like the new Bottas. I know a lot of people are telling you this. What is true about that?

No, I’d say I’m still clear with the same person, but maybe I’m not taking myself…

It’s freer, maybe.

Yes, I don’t take myself too seriously anymore. And I get to, you know, show who I really am and do fun things, which is how life should be, you know?

I think he even has a charity program in his cycling races.

No, just for that race. I did that race for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, but I don’t have my own charity program.

Are you thinking about undertaking a charitable project that is more related to cycling?

Maybe. I’m thinking about it, of course.

I have to ask him about his future.

Obviously! Forward.

Alunni Bravi (Sauber) said last week that the priority for the team and Audi is Carlos Sainz. And Audi has already signed Hülkenberg. How do you feel after that? Is the situation difficult to handle?

It’s a surprising situation based on the information I’ve been receiving over the last year or so, but, yes, obviously, there are many elements, many impact on the decisions, but we’ll see. I mean, it’s F1 and you never know what’s going to happen, and there’s always a lot of rumours. So until nothing is confirmed, I won’t say much.

And you said two weeks ago that Audi wanted a German driver and that is why you will have a German driver with Nico’s signature. What do you think of politics in Formula 1?

There is a lot of politics in F1. It’s part of the game. We have to live with it. Yes, sometimes you see his good side and other times, his bad side. But it’s always been part of sport because it’s big business.

Are you worried about your future?

I am not worried about my future.

He is talking to several teams…

In conversations, of course. But I’m not worried about my future. Some developments are being made behind the scenes and everything is still open. (The day after this interview, he met with Williams’ boss)

Do you want to go back to Mercedes?

Everything is an option. Obviously, this is a good team, but it depends on the rules.

What would you think of a one-year deal at Mercedes before Kimi Antonelli gets promoted?

Well, for my next contract, honestly, the priority is to have something long-term. That’s my priority.

Speaking of Mercedes… You are Hamilton’s teammate. Were you surprised when Lewis announced he was leaving for Ferrari?

Everyone was surprised, including me. But it’s good for him because he made the decision, so he obviously wants something new and exciting.

How many years do you think you will stay in Formula One? Alonso is 42 years old, for example, and he is at his peak.

Yeah… I don’t know. I don’t have a limit, but I think Alonso is a special case. I’m 34 now, so I have a lot of years left.

Tell me about overtaking. What do you think of the controversy over the penalties and the inconsistency of the commissioners’ decisions? Do the drivers know whether or not they will get a penalty if they do something wrong on the track? Did they know right away that they had to punish you or did the inconsistency of the administrators make them hesitate?

In my case, I haven’t had any major problems with that. For me, the rules are pretty clear, but every overtake is always different. Every situation. And the commissioners are often different and have different views. Obviously, yes, they are not always 100% consistent, but I think things are getting better, better and better. Sometimes you’re lucky, sometimes you’re not. But for me, the rules of the race are pretty clear.

Don’t want to change the rules?

No, I think it’s fine.

And doesn’t the level of commissioners need to be improved?

I think the level is good. It’s always changing and different people, so it’s normal that there is no consistency. But if they are always the same people, then there will be some coherence.

So, you disagree with Fernando Alonso on that point.

I mean, sometimes. But like I said, I don’t have a problem with that.

Well, let’s talk about Fernando. What do you like most about him?

I think his dedication, his performance and consistency and his passion for F1. You can really see that he loves racing and driving. It is very visible.

Would you like to see him fight for a world championship in the coming years?

Well, I prefer it there (laughs). But Alonso deserves to be in F1, obviously, and in a good car.

What do we need for Formula One to have more teams at the same level?

I don’t have an answer to that. Everyone tried to even things out with all the limitations, wind tunnel time and budget constraints. But still, it seems like the big, big, big teams are on top. I think it’s also part of the sport. There are always a few teams that come out on top, as this is also a championship for constructors. So I don’t have an answer to that.

Do you have the ambition to continue working to think about a future return to the podiums?

Of course, that’s the next goal, to get back on the podium, one way or another, but in what colors…

Let’s do a quick test. Very fast.

(See question sheet)

Don’t look!

OK.

Hamilton or Alonso? And because?

Hmm….

Quick quick…

Hamilton. Because he has more championships.

Okay, but are you picking Lewis just based on the number of titles? Not because of driving style or something else?

No, their driving style is very different.

Alonso or Verstappen?

It’s difficult. I like Fernando. So I’ll give it to Fernando.

your idol?

Mika Häkkinen

A dream?

Become a world champion

Now tell me your ideal Formula 1 driver on a flying lap.

My own, obviously!

You cannot choose yourself.

All right. Well, Max Verstappen.

Racial intelligence?

Lewis Hamilton.

Charisma?

Mmmm… (thought for a few seconds). Daniel Ricciardo

Better defense.

Fernando Alonso.

Thanks, Valtteri, and good luck.

Thank you!