Valtteri Bottas’s choices
Winter in the world of Formula 1 is the typical time for barroom debates while waiting for the engines to roar back to life. British broadcaster Sky Sports F1 got Valtteri Bottas—who has returned to Mercedes this year as a reserve driver—involved in one of the most popular social media games of the moment: an F1-themed ‘winner stays’ challenge. The Finn gladly participated, adding his usual touch of humor.
Valtteri Bottas’ #77 choices were a mix of heart and logic. Initially, Mika Hakkinen—his idol, like many Finns who grew up watching his triumphs—won several rounds. However, when faced with the choice between Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton, the former Sauber driver sided with his old teammate.
Valtteri Bottas plays winner stays on… wait for that ending 😅 pic.twitter.com/SXiLEh9s8b
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) February 15, 2025
Lewis Hamilton unbeatable, except…
This moment clearly highlighted Valtteri Bottas’ immense admiration and respect for the seven-time world champion, as he picked Lewis Hamilton without hesitation over other F1 legends like Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and, of course, Max Verstappen.
The only one to make Valtteri Bottas waver was Niki Lauda—his former ‘boss’ at Mercedes—but even then, he ultimately chose #44. However, Bottas delivered a comedic twist at the end when asked to choose between Hamilton and… himself. Looking straight into the camera, his response was brilliant: *“You all know.”*
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