Bottas' harsh truth: 'I've been a robot in the past. Now I know who I am'
F1 News
Valtteri Bottas is known as one of the most colourful drivers on the grid. The Finn sports a bright blonde mullet and moustache, and it's clear the 10-time Grand Prix winner doesn't take himself too seriously. It hasn't always been this way, however. Speaking to Autosport, the former Mercedes driver revealed that he used to feel like a corporate 'robot' in the sport without an identity. Although his future is yet to be confirmed, the Finn remains relaxed, and this is why.
"Of course, racing I'll always take extremely seriously but, in the end, we're all just humans. I feel like it's important to see the fun in certain things and especially about yourself," the Finn began. Bottas has been with Sauber since he left Mercedes at the end of 2021. It hasn't been the easiest year for the Swiss team, who are yet to score a single championship point after 14 races. "I think pace-wise we are not in the top 10," Bottas told GPblog and others after the Hungarian Grand Prix, a race where he finished 16th. His other results this season haven't been much better. A season best of 13th was achieved back to back in Monaco and Canada.
It's not all doom and gloom for the Finn, however. Bottas feels much happier now in his own skin than he ever did at Mercedes. "I've been like a robot probably in the past, but I'm glad I've managed to come out of it. I think it is maturity and experience, it took a while for me to realise and understand who I really am." Bottas said honestly.
After some unconvincing and under-the-radar performances, will the Sauber driver still have a place on the grid next season?
Bottas: 'It's not my first rodeo waiting for a contract'
The 34-year-old is yet to have his future sorted but realises that this situation isn't new for him. "I've been in this situation many times before in my career (waiting for a contract), so it's nothing new for me. Sometimes it might be stressful, but it's the way you handle it." During his time at Mercedes, Bottas was offered single-year contracts multiple times, recently revealing that he wouldn't have stayed with Mercedes if they offered him another one-year for 2022.
"For me, at the moment, it is exciting and not too stressful. It is not my first rodeo. There are still people who know what I can do and what I can bring to a team and my level of performance. So there's still people who understand, which is a good thing." Bottas concluded.