LONDON: Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton celebrated Valtteri Bottas as his best teammate after the Finn’s move from Mercedes to Alfa Romeo in 2022 was announced on Monday.
Hamilton has won the title in the past four years, with Bottas playing the supporting role and becoming runner-up in 2019 and 2020.
The Briton said in a message on social media that he was proud to have worked with Bottas, who is expected to be replaced by 23-year-old Briton George Russell.
“He was the best teammate I have had the pleasure of working with,” added Hamilton.
“Your speed and resilience were impressive, but what really sets you apart is who you are,” said Hamilton to Bottas. “You are bigger than you think and I know that you have a bright future ahead of you.”
Hamilton’s first teammate at McLaren in 2007 was double world champion Fernando Alonso. They finished this season on points, with Hamilton ahead in the placements and the Spaniard leaving after an argument with the team.
Heikki Kovalainen from Finland, who has only won once in his F1 career, joined him in 2008 and 2009 before then-world champion Jenson Button joined McLaren in 2010.
Button finished the 2011 season ahead of his compatriot.
Hamilton moved to Mercedes for the 2013 season to replace Michael Schumacher alongside Nico Rosberg, a childhood friend and rival who beat him to the title in 2016 when the relationship quickly turned chilly.
Bottas replaced Rosberg when the German announced his shock resignation at the end of the 2016 season.
“You will be missed. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors,” said Hamilton. “Let’s finish strong and get eighth place for the team.”
Mercedes leads Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, while Hamilton is three points behind Max Verstappen after the Dutchman won his home race at Zandvoort on Sunday.
