Faraj Benlahoucine, Media365, published on Tuesday November 12, 2024 at 7:49 p.m.
Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas achieved a rare, extraordinary sporting performance. Without leaving home, the Finn completed an Ironman.
Formula 1 driver at Sauber, Valtteri Bottas is going through a delicate exercise. With three Grands Prix remaining in the 2024 financial year, the Finn is one of three drivers who have not obtained any points. Performances not encouraging his team to offer him a second chance. For 2025, Sauber preferred to bet on the future by hiring the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto to team up with the German Nico Hülkenberg. However, despite his 35 years, Valtteri Bottas is not roasted. This Friday, his extraordinary sporting performance demonstrated that he is in excellent physical shape.
The Finn completed, nothing more, nothing less, an Ironman. The equivalent of a Dantesque triathlon divided into 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling and finally a marathon (42.195 kilometers). Without ever leaving his home, using his swimming pool then his exercise bike and his treadmill, he achieved this feat in just under eleven hours (10:59 a.m.). In detail, he did multiple lengths in the water for 1h05, he then cycled for 5h29 before running 4h23. However, his feat was not easy. Logically picking during his marathon, he interrupted his long effort with a meal break or stretching.
Exhausted after burning 7,000 calories, Valtteri Bottas will however have time to recover, the next Formula 1 Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, will take place in eleven days. Vice-world champion in 2019 and 2020 when he was at Mercedes, the Finn recorded 10 victories in 242 races in his twelve-year career at the highest level. As an honorary title, he also gleaned 20 pole positions.
