Valtteri Bottas is a man of experience and now lucid: F1 is not waiting for him and the fact that he remains on the sidelines without a starting wheel in 2025 could well mean that he simply competed in the very last Grand Career award in Formula 1 during the final round of the 2024 season, in Abu Dhabi.
Still, the Finnish driver remains hopeful of being able to position himself for the 2026 season, synonymous with new technical regulations. Otherwise, he will accept that the F1 chapter of his life is now over and that he should turn his energy towards other projects.
It was with great honesty that Valtteri Bottas spoke on the subject during the round of the Yas Marina circuit.
What assessment do you draw from your career? It's already difficult to get in, but you'll have been there for more than ten years. Are you proud and satisfied with what you have achieved in F1?
“If I look at it overall, I've had a good run. 12 seasons in Formula 1 and a lot of points, five constructors' championships, a few victories, a few podiums. It's a good career but, like I said, I don't feel like I'm done. I think I still have things to give to this sport and, of course, next year will be difficult, but in 2026 there could be an opportunity. If it's not 2026, I know it's over.
It's possible to do different things for a year and at least pilot a little, but two years at this stage would be tricky. In that case I would have to look for something for 2026 and beyond in a competitive racing category. »
If your career ended now, what would have been your favorite moment?
“The most enjoyable moment of this season will probably be this Sunday [à Abou Dhabi]when it is finished, because it was very difficult…
The favorite moment of my career was my first victory, because it's always the highlight. »
You still have a lot to give to sport, do you think it's time for sport to give you something in return?
“He gave me a lot. Obviously, the season was quite negative, but it gave me a lot. I learned a lot about sport, life, myself, competition, people…”
Could you have done something different this year to keep your place for next year?
“I don’t know yet. I haven't really thought about it, so I think I need to end it [avec 2024] and then, perhaps, I can consider what comes next. »
