Valtteri Bottas is happy that Lewis Hamilton has committed to Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton's former teammate was surprised by his transfer to Ferrari. Valtteri Bottas is happy that the Briton has the opportunity to drive for Ferrari. The Finnish driver denies any contact with Toto Wolff for a return to the Grey team.
The 2024 season hasn’t even started and Ferrari has already prepared its 2025 team. While he was nearing the end of his contract after the upcoming season, Charles Leclerc has ultimately extended with the red team. As for the second driver, it’s one of the biggest moves in F1 history. Lewis Hamilton has signed with Scuderia for 2025.
Despite this anticipation from Ferrari, the transfer market should still prove to be very eventful. 12 drivers will be out of contract, not to mention the now vacant seat at Mercedes.
Valtteri Bottas, who has driven for Mercedes for four seasons, is convinced that Lewis Hamilton’s move will ignite the market. « I am happy for him, and it is certain that it will now lead to an escalation of movement in the market for 2025 », stated the Finn to AutoSport. « So, for the moment, it’s quite difficult to predict how it will unfold. »
The departure of the Briton to the Italian team surprised his former teammate. After winning six World Championships with Mercedes, few details suggested a transfer. “I would have never thought that possible,” admitted the Stake F1 driver. “But I think it’s good for him, it’s a great opportunity. And obviously, he made the decision for himself. I think it’s a great challenge. I’m sure it’s a big motivation for him to bring Ferrari to the top, so it’s pretty cool. It will certainly create some movement for the future, which is good for the sport as a whole and for some drivers.”
Objective Audi
Like more than half of the drivers, Valtteri Bottas enters the final season of his contract with Sauber. While the team will come under Audi’s leadership in 2026, the Finnish driver has repeatedly expressed his desire to discuss a new contract with the German brand. However, everything remains unclear until now.
Lewis Hamilton’s departure has also revived rumors of the ten-time Grand Prix winner’s return to Mercedes. Speculations that have been denied by the main person involved. “To my knowledge, there have been no contacts made,” stated Valtteri Bottas. “It’s not a lie, I was in Brackley the day before, but not at the Mercedes factory. We haven’t spoken on the phone with Toto Wolff yet. Well, obviously, my priority and my biggest goal is the Audi project. I know my priorities and I have my list.”
The 34-year-old driver stayed at Mercedes for four seasons alongside Lewis Hamilton. The Finn was replaced in 2022 by George Russell.
