Bottas announced on Monday that he would be leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season after five years in Brackley, thereby ending his longstanding partnership with Lewis Hamilton.
The team’s decision to sign George Russell for 2022 prompted Bottas to reunite with former F3 and GP3 team boss Frederic Vasseur, who is responsible for Alfa Romeo’s F1 operations.
Bottas announced on Thursday in Monza that although he had discussed a move to other teams for the next year, he was excited about the opportunity to build a project with Alfa Romeo under a long-term contract.
“It’s a great brand, they have a great history in motorsport,” said Bottas.
“I have a feeling that based on the information I know, they can have a bright future and I hope I can contribute to that. It’s something new, something exciting to me, and a bit of a project.
“Without a doubt there will still be a lot to do, but I will use all of my know-how to try and improve safely from this season onwards.”
Bottas had also been linked to a possible move to Williams in 2022 after making his debut for the team back in 2013, but the Finn was happy to have made the move to Alfa Romeo.
“Yes, I have [talk to other teams], some other teams, ”said Bottas.
“I don’t want to say many names. But that was ultimately the path I wanted to go.
“I’m glad we were able to make it, and I also thank you for your trust that I will be the right choice for the team.”
Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
When asked what Alfa Romeo had told him about the plans for the coming years, Bottas said that although the team “cannot tell everything”, the team “is seriously looking to the future”.
“Alfa Romeo as a brand has been involved for a number of years,” said Bottas.
“I don’t want to share too much, but we have high expectations, high goals and that is very motivating for me.”
It’s unclear who Bottas’ teammate will be next year as Alfa Romeo weighs a number of options.
Alex Albon was known for being high on his shortlist just because the Red Bull substitute driver signed for Williams as Russell’s replacement.
F2 title contender Guanyu Zhou is known to be in the race, while reigning driver Antonio Giovinazzi is still fighting for his seat.
Also read:
But Bottas said he was not involved in deciding who his teammate would be, nor was he really interested in getting involved in the process.
“No, and I don’t want to have a say,” said Bottas.
“The team, they are professional. Fred is professional – he knows what’s best for the team in the future. So I’ll let them choose. “
The post Bottas motivated by chance to build a “small project” at Alfa Romeo first appeared on monter-une-startup.
