Early Career and Rise to Formula One
Valtteri Bottas, born on 28 August 1989 in Nastola, Finland, embarked on his racing journey in karting, showcasing his potential early on. His transition to single-seater championships was marked by notable successes, including winning the 2008 Formula Renault Eurocup and the Formula Renault Northern European Cup. Bottas’ talent was further highlighted in the Formula 3 Euroseries, where he finished third in 2009 and won the prestigious Masters of Formula 3 event twice. His skills caught the attention of the Williams Formula One team, leading to his role as a test driver from 2010 to 2012, participating in numerous Friday Free Practice sessions.
Formula One Achievements and Challenges
Bottas’ full-time Formula One debut came in 2013 with Williams, where he demonstrated his prowess, especially in 2014, finishing fourth in the Drivers’ Championship. His career took a significant turn when he joined Mercedes in 2017, replacing the retired Nico Rosberg. At Mercedes, Bottas achieved multiple race wins and podium finishes, contributing to five Constructors’ Championships and finishing as the Drivers’ Championship runner-up in 2019 and 2020. Despite these highs, Bottas also faced challenges, such as the 2018 season where he didn’t secure a single win, highlighting the competitive and unpredictable nature of Formula One.
Recent Career and Personal Life
In 2022, Bottas moved to Alfa Romeo, marking a new chapter in his career. Off the track, Bottas’ life is equally intriguing. Born to parents Rauno Bottas and Marianne Välimaa, he grew up in a modest family, with his father owning a cleaning company and his mother working as an undertaker. Bottas also served briefly in the Finnish army, a mandatory service for adult males in Finland, where he attained the rank of lance corporal. His early interest in motorsports was sparked by a chance visit to a karting event, igniting a passion that would define his career.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Valtteri Viktor Bottas |
| Date of Birth | 28 August 1989 |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| 2023 Team | Alfa Romeo-Ferrari |
| Car Number | 77 |
| Entries | 223 (222 starts) |
| Championships | 0 |
| Wins | 10 |
| Podiums | 67 |
| Career Points | 1797 |
| Pole Positions | 20 |
| Fastest Laps | 19 |
| First Entry | 2013 Australian Grand Prix |
| First Win | 2017 Russian Grand Prix |
| Last Win | 2021 Turkish Grand Prix |
| 2023 Position | 15th (10 pts) |