Challenges Faced by Valtteri Bottas: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Valtteri Bottas. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Valtteri Bottas is a Finnish racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2013 to 2024. He achieved significant success with Mercedes, finishing as the World Drivers' Championship runner-up in both 2019 and 2020. Over his 12 seasons in Formula 1, Bottas secured 10 Grand Prix victories. He currently serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2014: Continued with Williams

In 2014, Valtteri Bottas continued racing for Williams, partnering with Felipe Massa. The season included recovering to fifth place at the Australian Grand Prix after a tyre puncture, and experiencing an engine failure at the Monaco Grand Prix.

2018: Bottas's 2018 Season

In 2018, Bottas started 15th at the Australian Grand Prix after a qualifying crash and gearbox penalty, finishing eighth. He qualified third in Bahrain and China, leading in China before finishing third. A puncture in Azerbaijan led to retirement. He secured second-place finishes in Spain and Canada.

2018: Bottas' Disappointing 2018 Season and Near Retirement

In 2018, Valtteri Bottas finished the season without a win, the first Mercedes driver to do so since Michael Schumacher in 2012, despite seven second-place finishes. He finished fifth in the World Drivers' Championship. He considered retirement due to losing the joy of F1.

2018: Winless Campaign

In 2018, Valtteri Bottas had a winless campaign with Mercedes.

November 2019: Separation and Divorce Announced

On 28 November 2019, Valtteri Bottas announced his separation and divorce from Emilia Pikkarainen, citing challenges related to his career and life situation.

2020: Bottas' 2020 Season Performance

In 2020, Bottas continued with Mercedes. He took pole and won the Austrian Grand Prix. He was investigated for a COVID-19 protocol breach but was cleared. He finished second at the Styrian Grand Prix, had a poor start in Hungary, suffered a tyre failure at the British Grand Prix, and faced tyre issues at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

2021: Bottas' 2021 Season

In 2021, Bottas finished third at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He collided with George Russell at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. He qualified on pole at the Portuguese Grand Prix but finished third. A pit stop issue caused retirement at Monaco, and he struggled for pace at Azerbaijan, finishing 12th.

2022: Bottas's Mid-Season Performance in 2022

In 2022, Valtteri Bottas finished ninth at the Monaco Grand Prix and had his first non-scoring race at Azerbaijan. He finished seventh in Canada, followed by a ten-race streak without points, including a retirement at the British Grand Prix and three consecutive retirements later in the season. He returned to the points in Mexico City and São Paulo.

2022: Bottas' Move to Team as a "Mistake"

In 2022, Valtteri Bottas reflected on his move to the team, describing it as a "mistake" and noting a decline after the first year. He mentioned Frédéric Vasseur's presence influenced his decision to join and considered leaving when Vasseur moved to Ferrari, but was convinced to stay.

2023: Bottas' Season in the Latter Half of 2023

In 2023, Bottas achieved a seventh-place qualifying in Hungary, but did not score points. He improved to finish 10th at the Italian Grand Prix. Technical issues at the Singapore Grand Prix and a collision at the Japanese Grand Prix led to retirements. He finished eighth in Qatar, and had a collision in Mexico City. Reliability issues caused retirements at the São Paulo Grand Prix, and he finished 17th after a collision in Las Vegas.

2023: Bottas' Performance in the First Half of 2023

In 2023, Bottas started the season with Alfa Romeo by finishing eighth at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He finished 18th in Saudi Arabia due to damage and 11th in Australia. After finishing 18th in Azerbaijan, he noted the improved handling of the C43 but its lack of performance. His first points since Bahrain came at the Canadian Grand Prix.

2024: Bottas' 2024 Season Start

In 2024, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou were retained as the team rebranded to Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. He finished 19th at the Bahrain Grand Prix after a slow pit stop. Pit stop issues continued at Saudi Arabia. A wheel nut problem at the Australian Grand Prix cost him time, and the team was fined. He retired from the Chinese Grand Prix due to an engine failure.