Nico Hulkenberg Vouches for Valtteri Bottas After Mercedes F1 Divorce

After being heavily linked with a move away from Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas will leave the Brackley-based team to replace his fellow compatriot, Kimi Raikkonen, at Alfa Romeo.

The Finnish driver took pen to paper to a multi-year contract with the Hinwil-based team. Whereas Mercedes academy product, George Russell will replace Bottas to team up with Lewis Hamilton at Silver Arrows next season.

Meanwhile, former Formula 1 driver, Nico Hulkenberg, believes being a teammate of one of the best drivers is challenging and it would completely make sense if Valtteri Bottas take a year off after 5 arduous years at Mercedes.

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What did Nico Hulkenberg say?

Former Renault driver, Nico Hulkenberg, understands Valtteri Bottas taking a sabbatical after an intense five years at Mercedes.

“It seems Valtteri is still hungry, still wants to drive,” said Nico Hulkenberg in an interview with Serum TV. [quotes by Planet F1] “I would have understood very well if he wanted to take a year off after these five intense years at Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton.”

“You have to pay respect to him because it’s not easy to race against possibly the best in the world. He has also had to put up with a lot over the years,” added the German.

“He has been the best teammate”: Hamilton hailed Valtteri Bottas

The seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, hailed Bottas as his best teammate after the Finnish driver’s move to Alfa Romeo was confirmed on Monday. The 2019 and 2020 driver’s championship runner-up in Bottas has played a pivotal role in assisting the Briton to secure 4 driver’s championships during his time at Mercedes.

Meanwhile, taking to Instagram, Lewis Hamilton from his official Instagram account uploaded a post to wish Bottas the best for the future.

“I’m immensely proud to have worked alongside Valtteri Bottas for the last five years. He has been the best teammate I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” wrote Lewis Hamilton.

“Your speed and resilience has been impressive, but where you truly stand out to me is the human being you are. You are greater than you know, and I know there’s a bright future ahead for you.”

“Thank you, Valtteri, for all of your support and amazing contributions to this team. You will be missed. I wish you all the best for your future endeavors. Let’s finish off strong and get that 8th for the team,” concluded Hamilton.

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Can George Russell fill up the shoes of Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes next season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.