Valtteri Bottas expressed his surprise at Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, acknowledging that it is not only a significant opportunity for Hamilton but also a development that will shake up the entire sport.
Bottas, who had been Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes and contributed to five consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2017 to 2021, found himself reflecting on the recent announcement.
At the unveiling of the Kick C44, Sauber’s first Stake F1 car following their rebrand from Alfa Romeo, Bottas was questioned about his reaction to the monumental driver change.
The Finnish driver admitted, “Surprised, I never actually thought that could happen, but I think it’s good for him.”
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Bottas recognized the magnitude of Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari, acknowledging that it signifies a major shift in the driver market for the 2025 season.
He also highlighted the potential for a highly competitive landscape in the sport as multiple drivers, including himself, will be evaluating their contract options at the end of the current season.
Bottas commented, “For sure, that’s going to now escalate some movement on the market for ’25, so at the moment it’s quite hard to predict how it’s going to go.”
Bottas viewed Hamilton’s move as an exciting challenge for the seven-time World Champion, believing that it would motivate him to elevate Ferrari to the top of Formula 1.
He also noted that this move would have a ripple effect on the sport, creating opportunities for other drivers and enhancing the overall competitiveness of Formula 1.
Regarding his own future, Bottas maintained that his primary focus is on staying with his current team, which is expected to transition to Audi. However, he left the door open for a potential return to Mercedes, should Team Principal Toto Wolff extend an offer.
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Bottas clarified, “If that wouldn’t happen, then actually there’s no team that I wouldn’t go to, let’s say, perhaps, but I know my priorities and I’ve got my list.”
Valtteri Bottas expressed his surprise and approval of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, acknowledging the impact it will have on the driver market and Formula 1 as a whole.
While he remains committed to his current team’s Audi project, he remains open to exploring other opportunities if they arise, including a potential return to Mercedes.