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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 Journal had the chance to stroll right down to the grid with Valtteri Bottas earlier than the drivers’ parade at this yr’s ultimate race in Abu Dhabi. Be a part of us and stroll via the paddock with Valtteri.
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How may you summarize and fee your first yr with Alfa Romeo?
Nicely, we began the season robust, however then there was a bit troublesome interval for us. I’d in all probability give myself 7.5 factors out of 10. Truly, it’s near what I anticipated coming into the season. There are a lot of issues to enhance for the staff and me. All in all, it’s been constructive.
Was it difficult to deal with the truth that you might not combat for victories this yr?
It’s OK, I needed to reset my objectives fully, and I’ve no points with that. It’s a long-term challenge with the staff, and we need to get nearer to the highest positions collectively. My largest motivation is to maintain enhancing and get ourselves additional as much as the grid.
I’d in all probability give myself 7.5 factors out of 10.
Valtteri Bottas
You suggested your teammate in Interlagos on the staff radio the place to overhaul the Williams. What’s it like working with Guanyu?
He’s a superb driver and an clever man. He’s very younger however nonetheless mature. He’s staff participant, due to this fact we will work effectively collectively. He’s developed loads via the season and has a brilliant future forward.
Are you able to combat for podiums in 2023?
We have to make a giant step ahead for that. By no means say by no means – it’s not unattainable, nevertheless it doesn’t appear simple at this level. The principle aim can be to complete within the prime 10 persistently. If we will obtain that, we’d get a podium if we have now a little bit of luck.
You stated earlier that you simply take pleasure in F1 rather more as you’ve gotten a multi-year contract. Is it since you put an excessive amount of stress on your self?
That’s true. I put an excessive amount of stress by myself shoulders. I wished to get every thing completed in a short time, and typically there have been higher methods of doing issues. Within the meantime, I developed loads, so it’s not an issue anymore.
You may at all times be taught from different drivers, nevertheless it was particular with Lewis.
Valtteri Bottas
Did you develop into a greater driver after racing a number of years alongside such an awesome champion like Lewis?
For certain, I discovered loads from Lewis. You may at all times be taught from different drivers, nevertheless it was distinctive with Lewis, who’s a seven-time world champion. I discovered loads from him about establishing the automobile and dealing collectively for the staff.
What’s the primary distinction between the Mercedes and Alfa Romeo ambiance?
There may be much less stress right here, that’s inevitable. We’re a small staff, which is kind of beautiful and has many benefits. My position within the staff is kind of completely different from what I had earlier than. I’ve extra tasks, and I take pleasure in driving for Alfa Romeo loads.
Is biking the primary factor that retains you match for the races?
Sure, I spend a lot of hours biking. I have already got some wonderful and thrilling winter routes, so I’m wanting ahead to that.
Does that imply you’re going someplace sizzling for a vacation?
I’ll be in Australia for round 5 – 6 weeks not less than, so the climate gained’t be an issue.
I’m not following it, and I don’t actually have a favorite staff.
Valtteri Bottas
We all know you’re not a giant 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 actually have a favorite staff.
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