Valtteri Bottas draws inspiration from Fernando Alonso, admits to waiting until 2026 to be back on the podium once again

Bottas remains patient and optimistic, believes that his time will come.

Valtteri Bottas draws inspiration from Fernando Alonso, admits to waiting until 2026 to be back on the podium once again

Valtteri Bottas (L) and Fernando Alonso (R) [Credits: IMAGO]

Valtteri Bottas is ready to exercise the art of patience in his pursuit of a podium. Bottas who has missed the podium since his move to Alfa Romeo draws inspiration from the longevity of Fernando Alonso. Who, at 42, continues to defy the odds with his stellar performances behind the wheel of the revamped Aston Martin.

Despite grappling with his Alfa Romeo’s limitations, Valtteri Bottas consistently delivered standout performances this season. Dazzling in Bahrain and shining in Baku, Miami, Monaco, Canada, and Belgium. Yet, his achievements often went unnoticed due to his car’s constraints, and enduring car damage in four races, complicating his quest for glory. Undaunted, he draws inspiration from Alonso’s awe-inspiring career, defying age barriers. The Spanish’s success with Aston Martin, currently third in driver standings, fuels Bottas’ determination.

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While he hasn’t tasted the podium champagne since his move from Mercedes to Alfa Romeo he remains unfazed in spite of age catching up. “I still have many years. Of course, in this sport, you always need to prove yourself with results,” Bottas emphasized. Speaking of Alonso’s remarkable longevity, the Finnish driver said, “He’s perhaps an outlier. It’s not been done many times in this sport that you can still be super competitive at that age.”

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Bottas firmly holds the belief that his prime lies in the future, not the past. When asked if he’s willing to wait until 2026 to grace the podium once again. Bottas responded, “Yes, I’m happy to wait for that.” 

Also read: Zhou Guanyu hints at an imminent Alfa Romeo contract extension amid lack of funding rumors

Valtteri Bottas believes he will be an asset for Audi due to his experience

Valtteri Bottas with the Alfa Romeo team
Valtteri Bottas with the Alfa Romeo team (Credits: GPBlog)

Bottas, once a shining star at Williams, showed his mettle by outclassing Felipe Massa for three consecutive years and later held his own against the grid’s reigning champion from 2017 to 2021. And with Sauber’s transition to Audi, the 34-year-old believes that he will be an asset due to his experience as a race winner. Bottas said, “Once you get to this stage where you have lots of experience, then that can also be quite attractive for many teams in certain situations.”

He understands that the changes underway at Alfa Romeo, guided by the CEO of Sauber, Andreas Seidl, will require time to yield results. These structural adjustments, while not immediately reflected in performance, are part of a long-term strategy aimed at propelling the team forward. 

Valtteri Bottas is currently under a multi-year contract with the Italian team and will be hoping to stick with the team in spite of their adversaries.

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