© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Valtteri Bottas says he is “happy” for Lewis Hamilton because a move to Ferrari is “good for him”, and comments on the possibility of his own return to Mercedes.
Valtteri Bottas has been driving for Mercedes from 2017 until the end of 2021, and in that time he had a very close relationship with Lewis Hamilton.
With time, the relationship turned into a genuine friendship, and Lewis has said on numerous occasions that the Finn was his best team-mate ever.
So, during Stake F1 Team’s 2024 car launch, Valtteri was asked to comment on Lewis’ shock 2025 switch to Ferrari.
“I never imagined it would happen but I am happy for him because it’s good for him,” Bottas said.
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“I think it is a great challenge, I am sure it is a great motivation for him to bring Ferrari to the top so it’s kind of cool.
“It will definitely create some movement for the future, which is good for the whole sport and for the drivers.”
Since the news of Lewis’ Ferrari move was officially announced, many have been speculating on who Mercedes should bring in to partner up with George Russell in 2025.
In a recent editorial, our own Adrian Mann made a strong case that Bottas should be one of the top candidates for the spot.
Interestingly, just a day ahead of the big announcement, Bottas checked in on social media as being in Brackley, the location of Mercedes F1 Team’s HQ.
The Finn explains he was indeed there, but not at Mercedes, and gives his comments on the possibility of his return to the German outfit.
“It’s no lie, I was in Brackley the day before, not at the Mercedes factory, but I was there doing some other stuff.
“No, we haven’t spoken on the phone yet with Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team boss], but if I would go back?
“Yeah… obviously my priority and biggest commitment is the Audi project, which is my target, but if that wouldn’t happen, there is no team that I wouldn’t go to, let’s say.
“But I know my priorities,” the Finn concluded.
