Bottas speaks of a "relief" after leaving Sauber, but above all a career "mistake"

That's not a Valtteri Bottas great days that presented himself in front of the press at Yas Marina. Without doubt happier to finally put an end to this chaotic season with Sauber than anything else. Because once again, nothing went right for the flying Finn.

Present in Q3 for the second time this season, the first since China last April, he thought he could finally score his first points and thus finish on a good note, he whose future has not yet been defined. But quickly what has a good chance of being his last Grand Prix in his career turned sour between a clash with Sergio Pérez at the start before a completely missed braking in the second part of the race, harpooning a Kevin Magnussen unhappy. A sad end for Valtteri Bottas who had a hard time hiding his frustration.

Bottas relieved but categorical

Asked about this three-year adventure on the side of Hinwil, Valtteri Bottas was not very kind to his now former team, describing this career choice as a " erreur ". " [It's a] relief, he admitted. It was a mistake. You can't predict the future, everything started well the first year, but since then it's been a downward spiral.

But of course, you can't predict the future. That's just the way it is. I just want to make sure that the next choice in my career is a good one, and I hope that there will be better times in the future. »

Vasseur’s departure to blame?

Arrived in 2022 after five campaigns under the colors of Mercedes, the Finn acknowledged that the presence of Frédéric Vasseur, whom he knew from his time at ART Grand Prix (2009-2010), weighed in the balance when making his choice at the end of 2021. Unfortunately, the French director left the ship after only one season to take the reins of the TeamA departure which conditioned the continuation of the Sauber project.

« Fred played an important role, I used to work with him beforeHe says. There was a plan and clear objectives for the next three years and how to achieve them, but those plans were thrown in the bin when he left. We had a good relationship and clear objectives. That changed a lot. I don't blame him because if you're a team principal and you have a chance to go to Ferrari, you're going to go there. »

Valtteri Bottas admitted to exploring options when Frédéric Vasseur left at the end of 2022 but unfortunately it was too late to find another place to fall. Then followed two very complicated seasons that practically led him to the end of his career, at least in Formula 1...

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