The partnership between Bottas and Hamilton helped Mercedes clinch a record-eight consecutive constructors' title.
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Finnish Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas has closely witnessed the growth of seven-time World Champion and his teammate Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes-AMG in his five years stint. The partnership between Bottas and Hamilton helped Mercedes clinch a record-eight consecutive constructors’ title. Bottas, who was the second-driver of the team, however, has decided to move on and race for Alfa Romeo in a multi-year deal from 2022. His move will allow George Russell to join Williams but before his departure, he spoke highly of his former British teammate Hamilton. He highlighted that one of the impressive aspects about the Briton is that he always loves to keep learning despite being highly experienced.
Bottas also further mentioned that the seven-time World Champion doesn’t get too comfortable with all his success and continues to work hard from season to season to remain consistent for the championship race.
“You know, with Lewis, what has been really impressive is that every year he’s been able to develop,” the Finnish driver explained to formula1.com. “He’s got such a big experience in Formula 1 but still he’s been able to always learn more, become better and better.
“For sure, I’ve developed every year as a driver but so has Lewis, and it doesn’t come automatically. He works for it, because he knows that the competition always gets tougher. I’ve definitely learned many things from him, like driving-wise, set-up-wise, lots of small things here and there, but just it’s been impressive that he’s been able to still develop and not to get too comfortable, ever.”
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Hamilton missed out on his record title in 2021 by a whisker as Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing won the season after his victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021. The top-two racers in 2021 were tied at 369.5 each before the race with Verstappen taking the pole position to become the first ever Dutch to win the title.
Bottas further mentioned Hamilton’s attitude and desire to win has never changed, hinting that he remains determined for more success in 2022 and is a great team-man.
“He always wants more out of himself and the team around him, so that’s been the same thing every year – he keeps getting better,” Bottas said.
Bottas will be based at Sauber’s Hinwil headquarters for the upcoming F1 season with his new team. The 10-time Grand Prix winner will partner Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu and has spent his winter break bycycling in Australia and snowmobiling in Finland ahead of the season.
