“I’m back.” Valtteri Bottas is once again part of the Mercedes team after spending a few years away in Hinwil (first with Alfa Romeo, then Sauber). The Finnish driver has been the new third driver for Toto Wolff’s team for a few weeks now.
This return of the blond, 30-something driver is not just due to his connection with Toto Wolff (his manager) but also because of his experience. This will be particularly valuable this year, as Mercedes fields a rookie with high expectations: Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
“As the third driver, I will be present at every race and will take care of everything related to performance, both on and off the track. Whether it’s setup or driving, I will try to use my experience to contribute to this great team,” Bottas said on Mercedes’ official website.
Valtteri Bottas will have a role in helping Andrea Kimi and George Russell prepare their setups by analyzing data and doing extensive simulator work.
“I will focus on the data, look at George’s and Kimi’s boards, providing an extra pair of eyes. I hope to keep driving and also do some testing.”
“At the factory, I will be working on the simulator and the development of the W16. So far, I’ve been catching up on everything, getting to know the new car and the plans for this season.”
“I spent Valentine’s Day fitting a seat. It was love at first sight! I found out my old 2021 seat still fits.” – he pointed out – “Keep an eye on the two drivers behind the wheel of the W16—it’s going to be exciting. George is no longer a rookie, he has a few years under his belt and has proven he can win races and fight for titles. It’s an important year for him, but he will make the most of every opportunity.”
Then there’s Kimi Antonelli. Valtteri Bottas will serve as a reference point for the young Bolognese driver, especially at the start of the season, providing crucial support to a clearly talented youngster who still needs to refine his approach to be effective throughout a Grand Prix weekend.
“And then there’s Kimi. It will be a steep learning curve for him. He’s very young, but he has shown talent and dedication. He has worked very hard, and it’s been an intense pre-season for him.” – the former Sauber driver added – “I’m sure he’ll have some questions for me throughout the year, and I’ll be there to answer them. He’ll also learn a lot from George. I look forward to seeing his growth and development this season.” – Valtteri Bottas concluded.
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