Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas has mixed feelings about his five seasons at Mercedes after departing the team at the end of the 2021 Formula 1 season.
Bottas claimed 10 victories with the Silver Arrows, winning five Constructors’ Championships with the German manufacturer and often providing support for team-mate Sir Lewis Hamilton, as the Briton also claimed four drivers’ titles during their time together at Mercedes.
However, the Finn has often been criticised for his race pace and not being able to mount a title challenge against Hamilton.
After departing the team for Alfa Romeo, with George Russell replacing him at Mercedes, Bottas reflected on his spell at the Brackley-based team.
“Obviously, when I joined the team in 2017 the only thing in my mind was to win the drivers’ championship,” Bottas said.
READ: ‘I feel like I lost:’ Bottas feels pain of Hamilton defeat
Following several tough moments with the team, Bottas is looking at the bright side of his tenure with Mercedes.
“That [championship] didn’t happen, but I need to look at the positives. I have grown so much as a driver and as a human being. I’ve learned so much with the team and we have actually achieved pretty cool things together.
“That’s also many many positives that I will take on board. I think in this sport you are never fully satisfied, you know, but I think, five years, I have achieved something and I am sure that will help me in the future.”
Bottas emphasised that he was always focused on the team’s best interests, and is pleased that he was able to provide them with the necessary support.
“It’s definitely a team sport. And we always need to work together for that goal that we set at the beginning of the year. Together you are so much stronger than alone.
“You get support from your team-mates and you also support your team-mates. It’s just how it goes. And if every team member gives even one per cent more effort and it’s 100 people, that’s another 100 per cent, so it makes a difference.”
Bottas joined Mercedes from Williams at the start of 2017, and began work with his new Alfa Romeo team in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last week.
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