Valtteri Bottas joined the Mercedes team after the unexpected withdrawal of 2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg. With a full season behind his back, he is ready for the new season which starts in Australia this weekend.
It’s now one whole year since you first drove competitively for Mercedes. How have the past twelve months been for you?
Valtteri Bottas: The beginning was a very hectic period because, with Nico retiring in such an unexpected fashion, I had very little time to get to know the ropes. Looking at the big picture, there were some very good moments last season, but my performance has not been consistent enough yet. All in all, I’ve had a lot to learn. The challenge for me this year is to put what I’ve already learnt to good use on the track.
Who will be among the front-runners this year?
VB: That’s always hard to say based on the test results. You never know how much or how little fuel the teams have on board and what engine settings they are using. I think it could develop into an exciting contest between us, Red Bull and Ferrari. Hopefully with us as ultimate winners.
What are you looking forward to most during the season?
VB: Winning – and hopefully on a regular basis! Also, I’m looking forward to Hockenheim. I’ve always liked the track – I finished second there in 2014. This year, we have the added factor that it’s almost a home fixture for Mercedes, with Stuttgart being not all that far away.
It’s not every day you get to train with a Tour de France Green Jersey winner and an Australian road cycling Champion! @ValtteriBottas starts the week with a cycle along Melbourne’s coast with @badencooke and @PetaMullens ?♂️
GALLERY ? https://t.co/eFNxIp87Jw pic.twitter.com/ngV3P8QVTn
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) March 20, 2018
