Valtteri Bottas's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Valtteri Bottas.

Valtteri Bottas is a Finnish Formula One driver currently racing for Cadillac. He achieved runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship twice, in 2019 and 2020, while driving for Mercedes. Throughout his 12 seasons in Formula One, Bottas has secured 10 Grand Prix victories, marking him as a successful and prominent figure in the sport.

Sections (5)

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

2003: Williams's first front-row lockout since 2003 German Grand Prix

In 2014, at the Austrian Grand Prix, Bottas qualified second behind teammate Massa, his then-best grid position in Formula One and Williams's first front-row lockout since the 2003 German Grand Prix.

2003: Williams's best result since 2003

The 2014 season secured Williams third place in the World Constructors' Championship, the team's best result since 2003.

2005: Williams's first double-podium since 2005 Monaco Grand Prix

In 2014, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Bottas finished third behind Massa, marking Williams's first double-podium since the 2005 Monaco Grand Prix.

2008: Won Formula Renault Eurocup and Northern European Cup

In 2008, Valtteri Bottas won both the Formula Renault Eurocup and the Formula Renault Northern European Cup, mirroring Filipe Albuquerque's achievement in 2006.

2008: Won Formula Renault NEC and Eurocup

In 2008, Valtteri Bottas won his first championship at the Formula Renault NEC and also won the Formula Renault Eurocup, beating Daniel Ricciardo by three points. Both achievements were with Motopark.

June 2009: Won 2009 Masters of Formula 3

In June 2009, Valtteri Bottas won the 2009 Masters of Formula 3, also claiming the pole position and setting the fastest lap of the race.

2009: Won Masters of Formula 3

In 2009, Valtteri Bottas won the Masters of Formula 3 with ART.

2010: Won F3 Masters title for the second time

In 2010, Valtteri Bottas won the F3 Masters title for the second time, becoming the first driver to achieve this.

2010: Won Masters of Formula 3 for the second time

In 2010, Valtteri Bottas won the Masters of Formula 3 for the second consecutive time with ART, becoming the first driver to achieve this feat.

2012: Hinwil-based team's best result since also finishing sixth in 2012

Valtteri Bottas ended the 2022 season 10th in the World Drivers' Championship, scoring 49 points to teammate Zhou's six points and helping Alfa Romeo achieve sixth place in the World Constructors' Championship, the Hinwil-based team's best result since also finishing sixth in 2012.

2014: First Podium, Multiple Podium Finishes

In 2014, Valtteri Bottas achieved his first podium at the Austrian Grand Prix, finishing third. He secured several podium finishes throughout the year including second places at the British and German Grand Prix.

2014: Fourth in the World Drivers' Championship

The 2014 season concluded with Valtteri Bottas securing fourth place in the World Drivers' Championship, surpassing notable drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.

2015: Back Injury, Podium at Canadian Grand Prix

In 2015, Valtteri Bottas suffered a back injury at the Australian Grand Prix and secured a podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix.

2018: 2018 Season Performances

In 2018, Valtteri Bottas started 15th at the Australian Grand Prix after crashing in qualifying and taking a gearbox penalty, recovering to eighth place. He qualified third at the Bahrain and Chinese Grand Prix, leading the latter before being overtaken. He led the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with two laps remaining but retired due to a puncture. He also had second-place finishes at the Spanish and Canadian Grands Prix.

2019: Second Place in World Drivers' Championship

In 2019, Valtteri Bottas finished second in the World Drivers' Championship with 326 points. He had four wins, fifteen podium finishes, five pole positions and three fastest laps, marking it as his most successful year at Mercedes.

2019: Grand Prix Victory and Championship Lead

In 2019, Valtteri Bottas won the Australian Grand Prix and exclaimed "to whom it may concern, fuck you" over the radio. He finished second at the Bahrain Grand Prix and took pole position at the Chinese Grand Prix. He also secured a victory from pole at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading the championship by one point over Hamilton.

2020: 2020 Season Performances

In 2020, Valtteri Bottas set the fastest time in pre-season testing. He took pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix and won the race. He was investigated for breaching COVID-19 safety protocols but was cleared. He finished second at the Styrian Grand Prix. He qualified second and finished third at the Hungarian Grand Prix, losing the championship lead. A tyre failure at the British Grand Prix resulted in an 11th-place finish. Tyre issues at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix demoted him to third in the Drivers' Championship.

2021: 2021 Season Performances

In 2021, Valtteri Bottas extended his contract with Mercedes. He finished third at the Bahrain and Spanish Grand Prix. He was involved in a collision with George Russell at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. At the Portuguese Grand Prix, a sensor issue ended his pursuit of second place. A pit stop failure at the Monaco Grand Prix forced him to retire. He finished 12th at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a lack of pace.

2022: Alfa Romeo's Best Result Since 2012

Valtteri Bottas ended the 2022 season 10th in the World Drivers' Championship, helping Alfa Romeo achieve sixth place in the World Constructors' Championship, the team's best result since 2012. He described his season as "probably the most enjoyable so far".

August 2025: Bottas Signs with Cadillac

In August 2025, Cadillac announced that Bottas had signed for their debut 2026 campaign alongside Sergio Pérez. Bottas described being part of a new project as "incredibly special".