Valtteri Bottas Affirms His Relationship With Lewis Hamilton Hasn’t Changed Despite Mercedes F1 Exit

Valtteri Bottas switched teams and joined Alfa Romeo for the 2022 Formula 1 season. The switch meant he could finally step out of Lewis Hamilton’s shadow and be a lead driver for the first time in his life. But now paired alongside rookie Zhou Guanyu, Bottas would look to showcase his racing mettle.

However, in a recent interview, Bottas shared his experience and relationship with his former teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton are still friends

Valtteri Bottas in a recent interview revealed his relationship with former teammate Lewis Hamilton. In an exclusive with People Magazine, Bottas talked about his relationship with Lewis now that they’re ex-teammates.

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“It’s been nice. It was pretty natural. After the race, I drove past him on the in-lap and I heard he was on the podium, so I gave him thumbs up and he did the same,” said Bottas regarding the moment they shared after the Bahrain Grand Prix.

As we all know, Formula 1 is a tremendously competitive sport. Therefore, maintaining a healthy relationship with other drivers is difficult. Especially with the ones you’re sharing a garage with! Because even tho there’s rivalry among all drivers, a rivalry between two from the same team can be detrimental. And Mercedes has seen the worst of it!

Luckily, with Lewis and Bottas though, Mercedes saw a healthy balance of competition and respect. Valtteri was always the secondary driver at Mercedes, and it was clear as day. Although it might’ve been frustrating for Bottas, through it all, the Finn hardly ever lost his cool and always remained professional.

Valtteri and Lewis are friends for life

After his move to Alfa Romeo, Bottas can open up about his past jeopardizing no relationships. Despite the competition on track and Hamilton being the favorite, which must’ve been a tad frustrating for Valtteri. Bottas and Lewis maintained a healthy relationship off track.

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Commenting further on his relationship, he added, “You know, we’re maybe not teammates, but still mates. It is nice. We have a good relationship in a way. Because we did achieve quite a bit of things together as teammates. I think that kind of friendship will for sure last too.”

The dynamic duo consistently performed well because of which Mercedes won five constructors’ championships. That’s an incredible achievement! And Valtteri and Lewis will always share that, probably why they hold this bond.

Sufficed to say, friends that win five consecutive constructors championships together, stay together!