"To be a part of the team that won 5 championships": Valtteri Bottas picks his Mercedes stint as the most cherished part of his F1 career (Exclusive)

Valtteri Bottas believed that his first victory with Mercedes stands as the most cherished moment of his career. Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda in Singapore, the Sauber F1 driver reflected on his time with the Silver Arrows, emphasizing that being part of five consecutive Constructors’ Championships is one of the most special aspects of his journey in the sport.

Debuting in F1 with Williams in 2013, Bottas secured his first podium at the 2014 Austrian GP during the inaugural season of the V6 hybrid era, where Williams was powered by Mercedes engines and was among the top teams on the grid.

However, the bulk of his success came after his 2017 move to Mercedes, replacing 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg. With ten race victories and 67 podiums to his name, Bottas remains hopeful that 2024 will not be his final season in F1. Reflecting on his career, he pinpointed his first win at the 2017 Russian GP in Sochi, a circuit that suited his natural driving style, as his most special moment.

Asked by Sportskeeda if 2024 might be his final season and which moment from his career he would cherish the most, Valtteri Bottas responded:

“Well, obviously positive and hoping it's not going to end, but if I would have to pick one moment I would say my first win. But then if I look it as a whole to be part of team winning five constructors Championships in a row. That was pretty pretty cool.”

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Valtteri Bottas singles out Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa as toughest teammates

Valtteri Bottas believes that Lewis Hamilton stands out as the only truly formidable teammate he faced in his career. He acknowledged that the seven-time world champion was the only driver he had not managed to beat during their five consecutive seasons together at Mercedes.

In addition to Hamilton, Bottas considered his former Williams F1 teammate, Felipe Massa, to be a challenging competitor due to the Brazilian’s experience and speed. Massa secured 11 race victories and 41 podiums throughout his career, ultimately losing the 2008 title by just one point before retiring after his final stint at Williams at the end of the 2017 season.

In his tenure at the Williams F1 team, Bottas outperformed Pastor Maldonado in 2013 and consistently outperformed the more experienced Felipe Massa in both 2014 and 2015.

The Finnish also said that his current teammate, Zhou Guanyu, has proven to be a strong competitor, surprising him on multiple occasions in 2023. Bottas believed that this season is the only one in which Zhou has struggled, as both Sauber drivers have faced significant challenges primarily due to their underperforming car.

Asked who was his toughest contemporary in the sport as he reflected upon his career, Valtteri Bottas said:

“Lewis definitely stands out. He was the only driver I wasn't able to beat over the whole season. But then I would separately say Felipe, he was tough, he was very experienced and sometimes super fast. But even Zhou I would say last year he surprised me many times he can be super quick. He’s had a bit harder time this year, but yeah, that's it.”

Valtteri Bottas may not have been able to defeat Lewis Hamilton, but he consistently finished in the top three of the drivers’ championship for four seasons, except in 2018, when he ended the year in fifth place.

His highest championship finish came in 2020, where he secured second. During his tenure with Sauber, he has outperformed his Chinese teammate, Zhou Guanyu, in all three seasons. In 2024, Bottas finished ahead of Zhou in 17 out of 18 qualifying sessions and 11 out of 18 races.