During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas possibly competed in his very last Formula 1 Grand Prix. The Finnish driver of the Stake Sauber team did not say goodbye to the premier discipline, but is aware of the fact that the next chapter of his racing career could well take a very different shape from what he has experienced in recent years.
Bottas essentially forged his track record in Formula 1 by teaming up with Lewis Hamilton during the glory years of Mercedes, which dominated the championship during the first years of the introduction of the V6 hybrid engine, mastered to perfection by the firm German company which launched its research and development program well before any other manufacturer in the field.
“I think this week I started to realize that I was getting closer to the end”admitted Bottas in Abu Dhabi. “I still don’t think it’s guaranteed to be my last race, that’s my feeling.”
Bottas concluded what will undoubtedly be his last season as an F1 starter without having scored a single point. This means that he has not finished in any of the 24 rounds this season in the top ten, nor in the positions to open the counter in the handful of Sprint races this season.
Mercedes could well become Bottas' refuge, as a test and development driver. The Finn is still held in high esteem by team principal Toto Wolff, who appreciates his work ethic with the engineers, as he appreciated that of Nico Rosberg, the man Bottais replaced at short notice.
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“I don't know what to say about this. This sport is fun. Sometimes not everything makes sense but, as I said before, I could definitely do the job”believes Bottas, when it is suggested to him that he has what it takes to run for the position, particularly due to his experience. “They always focus on their junior drivers because they have invested a lot in them in the past, so it makes sense. I can’t say much more”he continues, however, aware of the fact that Mercedes must also live in the post-Lewis Hamilton era from next year. “There are no obstacles as such and we both have interest, it's just that neither side has been in any rush to do anything”he concludes, however, suggesting that this could be done.
Finland has a great history in F1, and particularly in the modern era. The country has always had a driver on the grid for many years, with drivers like Mika Häkkinen, Kimi Räikkönen, Heikki Kovalainen and even himself. This will therefore no longer be the case in 2025.
“Yes, it has been a good time for the Finns and I hope someone will join them soon. I think the closest guy at the moment is Tuukka Taponen in F4; he will be in F3 next year and it will be a really key season for him to prove what he can do”observes Bottas, who therefore seems to exclude himself from the equation.
