“Walk in the forest,” Valtteri Bottas reveals “great advice” from childhood hero Mika Hakkinen

Valtteri Bottas received a life changing advice from former F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen many years ago.

“Walk in the forest,” Valtteri Bottas reveals “great advice” from childhood hero Mika Hakkinen

Valtteri Bottas with Mika Hakkinen (IMAGES VIA IMAGO)

Sauber F1 driver Valtteri Bottas mentioned the advice he once received from Mika Hakkinen when asked about the best advice he has received from another racer. Hakkinen’s wise words came in handy for Bottas when he was struggling in his early days.

Valtteri Bottas explained that Mika Hakkinen, who was his childhood hero, gave him advice which he still uses. The 55-year-old noticed Bottas was stressed out. Instead of suggesting something complicated, the ‘Flying Finn’ simply told him to take a walk in the woods. Bottas was confused when he first heard Häkkinen saying that. But he explained that sometimes just being in nature, walking among the trees and fresh air, can really help calm your mind. So Bottas tried it out.

I got great advice from Mika Hakkinen. He was my childhood hero. He once advised me, when he saw that I was stressed, to go for a walk in the woods. My first reaction was: What? Then he said, just go into the woods, go for a walk, try it out.
Valtteri Bottas said, as reported by SpeedWeek.com
YouTube video

Bottas further explained trying this advice and how it actually helped the driver to relieve from the things which he was stressed about. This advice from the 55-year-old made Bottas think differently and let go off stress which was pretty cool. The 34-year-old suggested everyone to go to forests if they’re facing any kind of stress.

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I tried it and it really worked. Being one with nature. You start to think differently and let go of the stress. That was pretty cool. Simple advice, but if you're stressed, go into the forest.
Valtteri Bottas stated

Valtteri Bottas claims ‘being confident’ about getting seat for 2025 season

The 34-year-old realized he needs to make his decision quickly of renewing the contract or signing up with any other team. Bottas reckoned Audi was patiently waiting for him, but he knows he can’t his decisions. As such, Valtteri Bottas needs to speed up for taking actions for his future.

Nothing has been signed yet from my side, but I'm still working with all the options and need to make a move soon. [Audi] is willing to wait for a long time. But I can't forever.
Valtteri Bottas said, as reported by MotorSport.com
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas (via IMAGO)

Bottas is confident about securing a spot in a team, but he’s very well aware that in racing, nothing is guaranteed until a contract is signed. Despite this uncertainty his current outlook is positive and some important updates are expected by the driver. It is likely that the Finn could join Alpine or even Haas for next season.

I'm confident I'm going to get a seat, but obviously in this sport nothing is confirmed so it’s never 100% sure until you are signed. But how I see the situation at the moment I'm not worrying. It should be an interesting week or two ahead for sure.
Valtteri Bottas added

Overall, Bottas seems to be following the advice his idol suggested because he’s been stressed lately. The Finnish driver is very confident that he’ll secure a seat for 2025 and isn’t worried about it. He expects some good news in the coming days.

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