Valtteri Bottas has revealed that he missed out on a bonus when Max Verstappen beat Sir Lewis Hamilton to title glory in 2021, but the Finn is not overly concerned.
Bottas claimed one victory and 11 podiums last season on his way to third in the Drivers’ Championship, beating Red Bull’s Sergio Perez as Verstappen and Hamilton found a completely different level to the rest of the field in 2021.
However, Bottas’ efforts were not enough to help Hamilton’s title challenge, while Perez fended off the Briton in Turkey and Abu Dhabi to successfully aid Verstappen’s cause.
READ: ‘It even got a bit political’: Bottas reflects on Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry
As a result of the seven-time champion’s defeat, reports circulated that Bottas lost out on a bonus – and the Finn has now confirmed this.
“Yes, you’re right. Certain bonuses are tied to certain achievements,” he told the Supla podcast when asked if this was true.
“Luckily, I hadn’t gotten anything in advance.”
Having joined the Brackley-based squad in 2017 to replace the retiring Nico Roberg, Bottas went on to take 10 wins in total out of the 101 races he contested with Mercedes, finishing second in the Drivers’ Championship on two occasions.
Subsequently, he helped the team to five of their record eight straight Constructors’ Championships during his time there, and as a result has seen some fairly big pay days.
Thus, he is not overly fussed that he did not receive his Hamilton bonus in 2021.
“I don’t really measure it like that but at some point, a moment came when there was no need to look at the bank balance anymore,” he explained.
“Money is of course a big thing in Formula 1, but I remember where I come from and I have done quite well because of that.”
Having left Mercedes at the end of last year, Bottas has joined Alfa Romeo alongside rookie Guanyu Zhou, who finished third in the Formula 2 championship last season.
READ: Russell warned against approaching Hamilton as his ‘enemy’ at Mercedes
The 32-year-old has been replaced by George Russell, meaning that three of Mercedes’ last five driver appointments have come from Williams.
Whether Russell will find himself partnering Hamilton this year is as yet unknown, as reports continue to swarm that the Briton is considering retirement following his heart-breaking defeat to Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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