Still hungry to succeed, Valtteri Bottas continues to prefer to let his driving do the talking
Still hungry to succeed, Valtteri Bottas continues to prefer to let his driving do the talking. Valtteri Bottas, like previous legendary Finns in F1, has an ice-cold stare and an incredible ability to remain calm under pressure.
Even though Finland has produced F1 stars like Kimi Raikkonen and Mika Hakkinen in the past, the most recent star to emerge from Finland before Valtteri Bottas was the former world champion.
Bottas, like the 2007 Ferrari world champion Kimi Raikkonen, has drawn comparisons to the likes of Kimi Raikkonen because he shares many of the same racing skills and personalities as the great drivers from Finland who came before him.
Bottas, like Raikkonen, seems to avoid the spotlight and has a reputation for being reticent because of apathy rather than a dislike for the attention that comes with being an F1 driver.
Bottas is content to let his driving speak for itself, in contrast to his competitors who are more emotive and even theatrical in order to appeal to a new generation of fans who have interests outside of the circuit.
Statements
He then told ESPN, “I see no reason (for it to be otherwise).” I respect that other drivers care about things besides driving, but for me, the racetrack is the only place that matters.
The Alfa Romeo driver gave an interview to ESPN on the eve of the Singapore Grand Prix, on the fringes of a private event at the flagship store of PUMA, the team’s official race gear supplier. The store is located on Singapore’s upscale retail district, Orchard Road.
After the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Singapore Grand Prix due to the coronavirus pandemic, Formula One returns to the Asian nation this weekend for the Singapore GP.
Since then, glitzy new venues have emerged, posing a threat to displace the Singapore Grand Prix, once considered “the crown jewel” of the Formula One calendar. However, the race has been criticized for failing to live up to its billing as a “racing spectacle,” as overtaking is extremely difficult on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Is Bottas a fan of the Singapore Grand Prix?
“It’s great to be home again,” the 33-year-old added. “It’s very neat to be here for the first ever Formula One night race, as I discovered when I arrived and took in the cityscape with all its lights and buildings.”
“As a result of the enthusiastic reception we’ve received from our loyal following, I, too, am thrilled to be making our return.”
“That’s something I’m really excited about. It’s a doozy, and the difficulty of the course shows in the exhaustion you feel at the finish line. I’ve only ever spoken in front of an audience once, but I always like the experience. With all the safety cars and other obstacles, every race is a new adventure.”
“Considering its significance (to have a race like the Singapore GP). Having both the usual suspects and a change of pace like this on the schedule is always appreciated. It’s a stunning location aesthetically speaking as well. It’s a photographer’s paradise here.”
“Therefore, it is an established part of the calendar.”
After five successful seasons with Mercedes, in which they won the constructors’ championship each year, Bottas has had a very interesting debut year at Alfa Romeo in 2022.
The 46 points the Finn has earned thus far are more than three times as many as what Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, along with reserve driver Robert Kubica, managed to score in the entire year of 2021.
However, in the last seven races, he has not only failed to score any points but has also retired three times.
Still, for someone who isn’t necessarily a fan of the limelight, Bottas’ experience driving for a team without championship aspirations alongside a seven-time world champion like Lewis Hamilton has been a welcome change.
But it doesn’t mean he isn’t still driven to succeed.
Declarations
“The beginning of the season was quite promising,” he continued. “Every time I checked, we had scored again. There have been a number of reliability difficulties as of late.
“Along with the car’s progress, we’ve also begun planning for next year. But we still want to have a good last game of the season.
“Coming from the intense pressure of competing for titles, this has been a new experience. Right now (at Alfa Romeo), the focus is on building for the future rather than on the present.
“Nevertheless, I’m extremely inspired, and naturally, there’s still a chance”
The key, I believe, is to use the pressure you put on yourself rather than succumbing to external influences. You need an internal drive to propel you forward, as you do want to achieve your goals.
“However, as you participate in more races and experience more seasons, you learn to take life less seriously on occasion. And remember, having fun is crucial.”
Remarks
“You should enjoy every moment of it because it won’t last forever. I’m having a great time right now, and I think that’s because it’s a team sport where working together is crucial.”
Bottas, who has a reputation for being a guy of few words, proved this assumption wrong by speaking his mind. cleverly and interestingly.
When he finished his media appearance, which he considers “part of the job,” he smiled broadly and gave a cordial fist bump.
Ice cold, but not chilly. It was quiet yet not completely silent.
Bottas is capable of strong oratory, as evidenced by his enthusiastic praise of Singapore and the grand prix there and his discussion of his continued desire to achieve.
A lot of the time, he’d rather let his driving do the talking than say anything at all.
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