F1 drivers often reveal some crazy incidents in off-track interviews. These incidents usually show the humorous and humane side of the drivers. Back in 2018, Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas shared their funny stories about how they got trapped in a lift.
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On an F1 Grill the Grid episode in 2018, the Mercedes duo shared lots of anecdotes. When the host Will Buxton asked them about whether they got trapped in some place, Lewis Hamilton revealed how he got trapped in a lift for 4 hours. Though Valtteri Bottas resonated with Lewis and revealed that he too experienced the same, it was just for 25 minutes.
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Hamilton elaborated on his life experience. He said, “Luckily, I had a couple of really hot girls with me. It’s okay. I had good company. If you’re in it for good company, you’re gonna actually have fun.”
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 30, 2020 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after winning the race with Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas who finished in second place Pool via REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Lewis would surely have hit up some good conversations with the ladies to pass the time for 4 hours. Although he would not expect Valtteri to be talking too much in the same situation. And luckily the Finn didn’t get stuck as long as Lewis did.
This was a really fun episode when, besides their lift stories, Hamilton and Bottas also revealed other anecdotes of their lives.
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Bottas never really speaks too much, in line with the Finnish culture. But whenever he does and reveals some story, it’s worth everyone’s time.
When Valtteri Bottas got labeled as ‘The Other Guy’ by some Lewis Hamilton fans
Coming back to another lift story for Valtteri Bottas, F1 pundit and former driver Anthony Davidson once revealed Bottas’s awkward lift experience. This was at the 2019 US Grand Prix in Austin when Valtteri entered a lift in his Mercedes gear.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 04: Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP prepares to drive in the garage during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on December 04, 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Davidson revealed on the Sky Sports F1 coverage in 2021 that Bottas met some Lewis Hamilton fans in a lift in Austin. While they saw the Finn in his Mercedes race suit, they still asked him what he does. Bottas avoided telling them he was the driver, so he just told them he works for the Silver Arrows.
Further on, those American fans told Bottas they were Hamilton fans, but they do not remember who his teammate is. They said, “Oh Lewis Hamilton, yeah [he’s] great, yeah we can’t remember the other guybut Lewis Hamilton what a great guy, we hope he wins.”
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It must have been an awkward moment for Valtteri, as he was standing in front of them. To make it crazier, they asked Bottas whom does he expect to win? And the Finn calmly replied, “the other guy”.
Fittingly, Valtteri Bottas won the 2019 US Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton sealed his 6th championship by finishing 2nd.
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Watch This Story: Dramatic F1 moments in Monaco GP history feat. Frozen Bottas
Bottas had a great 5-year stint with Mercedes, as he won 10 races with multiple podiums. Now past his Silver phase, Valtteri is living a relaxed life at his new team – Alfa Romeo. Do you think he is more comfortable at Alfa than he was at Mercedes?
