What is Valtteri Bottas afraid of? How will his life change as a reserve driver for Mercedes this year? And will he ever call Australia home? In an insightful conversation held in Perth, Valtteri shared his thoughts on these topics and more.
Transitioning to Reserve Driver
This year marks a significant shift for Valtteri as he steps into the role of reserve driver. The most obvious change? Not racing every race. Valtteri candidly remarked, “When the lights go off on Sunday, I’m not in there. I’m outside watching, and that’s gonna be weird.” Adjusting to this new perspective will take time, but he plans to keep busy during race weekends.
What Does a Reserve Driver Do?
Many people think a reserve driver’s role is limited to stepping in for sick drivers, but Valtteri clarified that there’s much more involved. “There’s quite a bit of simulator work, which is getting each year more and more important,” he explained. This includes tire testing, especially with upcoming regulation changes for 2026. Additionally, he will engage with sponsors and attend various events, keeping him actively involved with the team.
What’s Next for Valtteri?
Valtteri’s journey has raised questions about his future. He humorously mentioned a tattoo on his leg that represents his commitment to racing: “It’s not going anywhere. It is real.” This sentiment resonated with many fans who have been curious about his plans after losing his seat for 2025. “When I learned that I won’t have a seat, I did ask myself, like, what’s next?” he reflected.
Connecting with Other Drivers
During the conversation, Valtteri touched on fellow drivers Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto. Having raced against them, he acknowledged their potential, stating, “Jack is a promising smart kid, seems fast. He’s got his chance to prove himself, which I believe he will do.”
Valtteri in Perth
So, why was Valtteri in Perth? He was there to support his girlfriend, Tiffany Cromwell, in the AusCycling Road National Championships. “I think it’s great for Perth, and it’s great to get everybody out supporting F1 in Perth,” he said enthusiastically.
Performance and Local Culture
Valtteri competed in the amateur section of the road series, finishing nineteenth in his age group. He embraced the local culture, with one fan humorously commenting on his “Australianness” and mullet hairstyle. “Good on him for embracing our culture,” they said, highlighting Valtteri’s growing connection to Australia.
Life in Australia
When asked if he could see himself settling down in Australia, Valtteri replied, “I always say, why not? I don’t see any reason why not, but not yet.” He expressed his love for Perth, stating, “I spent most of my life here in Perth, and I love the place.”
Adventures with Quokkas
Valtteri also had a delightful experience with Western Australia’s famous quokkas, sharing a selfie moment that he described as a tick off his bucket list. “They kind of look like they’re smiling all the time,” he said. However, he reminded fans to keep their distance and not feed them.
What He Loves About Australia
When asked what he loves about Australia, Valtteri replied, “Easier question would be what do I not love about Australia?” He jokingly mentioned great white sharks, snakes, and spiders as a few things that concern him, but overall, he finds the country beautiful.
Surfing and Cycling
Valtteri is also getting into surfing, sharing that he had tried it near Broad Bay. “I think cycling is way more dangerous than surfing,” he remarked, highlighting his passion for both sports. His active lifestyle showcases his commitment to staying fit and engaged.
Conclusion
As Valtteri Bottas embarks on this new chapter as a reserve driver, it’s clear that he remains passionate about racing and life in Australia. His openness about his experiences and aspirations makes him a relatable figure in the world of Formula 1.
FAQs
What is Valtteri Bottas’ role as a reserve driver?
As a reserve driver, Valtteri will not only step in for sick drivers but also engage in simulator work, tire testing, and sponsor events.
Does Valtteri Bottas plan to live in Australia?
While he loves Australia and spends significant time there, he is not ready to settle down just yet.
What are Valtteri Bottas’ hobbies?
Valtteri enjoys cycling and surfing, embracing the active lifestyle that Australia offers.
Where can I find signed F1 driver prints?
You can purchase signed prints of F1 drivers, including Valtteri Bottas, at Kym Illman.
How can I stay updated on Valtteri Bottas’ journey?
Follow Valtteri’s journey on his Instagram.
Where can I find high-quality F1 images?
For high-quality images from Formula One accredited photographers, visit Pro Star Pics.
Where can I find more content from Kym Illman?
Check out more of Kym Illman’s work on his store or follow him on YouTube.