Latest news with #Bottas
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Cadillac F1 Team Finalizes Driver Lineup for 2026 Season
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Formula One presenter Lawrence Barretto has revealed that the Cadillac F1 team has finalized its driver lineup for the 2026 season with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, and only the formalities remain pending before an announcement is made. Cadillac received its approval to join the F1 grid in March as the sport's eleventh team. The outfit has been gearing up to develop the organization from scratch and build a capable car. The American team has also been in talks with several drivers in recent months, and its preference has been to have an experienced F1 driver who could assist it in its initial years in the premier class of motorsport. Barretto, reporting from Spa-Francorchamps, mentioned Perez and Bottas as the names Cadillac wants to sign for its F1 debut, while speaking about the Alpine F1 team, with which Bottas was recently linked. He said: People attend an event to unveil the colors for the 2026 Cadillac debut in Formula One racing, ahead of the 2025 Miami Formula One Grand Prix, in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 3, 2025. People attend an event to unveil the colors for the 2026 Cadillac debut in Formula One racing, ahead of the 2025 Miami Formula One Grand Prix, in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 3, 2025. Giorgio VIERA / AFP/Getty Images "Bottas has obviously been linked with Alpine. But actually, I think the most likely landing spot for him is Cadillac, and we haven't talked about them yet. "But I hear that they haven't got any contracts done — not even any head of terms — but Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are the two drivers that they want at that team, and it's just a case of them going through the motions of it. "So it might be some time until we find that out, and obviously, there is still some time that that could change. But that's where we're looking, I think." Perez and Bottas had been racing in F1 for a long time and possess the required experience to elevate a team like Cadillac. Perez is currently out of the sport after Red Bull parted ways with him last year. Bottas is currently a reserve driver at Mercedes, where he is also mentoring rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. While Bottas has revealed his interest in Cadillac in the past, Perez has also spoken on being part of a new project that he strongly resonated with. Newsweek Sports reported the Mexican driver's comments from last month. He said: "The answer is yes, I do want to return, but only if the right project comes along, one where I feel I truly belong or should be. "I don't want to come back at any cost. I'm not interested in traveling around the world as a third driver or just waiting around for an opportunity. "I feel fortunate for the career I've had, and I do want to come back - because I don't want my career to end like this. "But I'm also fully aware that I'll only return if it's truly worth the price you have to pay to be in Formula 1 - 24 races, and an entire life dedicated to the sport." When asked if he would be a value addition for a team like Cadillac, Perez said: "Yes, I believe it 100 per cent. If you look at my years with Force India, and then later with Red Bull - pushing the team forward race by race, and eventually becoming a winning team - that's exactly the kind of environment I'm looking for. "A team with that mentality, that unity. For me, that's more important than any trophy or achievement: finding a project where the driver feels truly motivated."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Valtteri Bottas reveals his secret past as a sniper before F1 success with 10 Grand Prix wins
Valtteri Bottas reveals his secret past as a sniper before F1 success with 10 Grand Prix wins (Image via Getty) Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish driver of Formula 1 is a very calm nature with excellent racing skills behind the wheel but there is a side to him that most fans don't know about. Bottas raced in Formula 1 and won 10 Grand Prix races, but as a prerequisite, he was in the army, more accurately, he was a sniper, in the Finnish army, from 2008 to 2009. This was the national duty of Finland to all males. During this time Bottas was also developing his career in racing. Valtteri Bottas trained as a sniper during Finland's mandatory military service In 2008, Valtteri Bottas was already participating in the Formula Renault Eurocup series. There he won while beating the well known drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne. But during that same year, he was also completing six months of military service in Finland. Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Bottas shared that he was trained as a sniper during that time. — valtteribottas (@valtteribottas) He said, 'Because I was racing, I only had to do six months. But in six months of Finnish winter, I became a sniper. I was a good shot. That's why they made me kind of a sniper.' He also explained that he was trained to go behind or in between the enemy, showing just how intense his training was. His motorsport goal did not stop his military experience. Bottas placed third in the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2009 right after completing his service. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo His rise in racing came from that success, which also landed him to Formula 1 with Sauber, Mercedes, and Williams. Valtteri Bottas says military life made him stronger in racing Even though it was tough, Bottas said he learned many life lessons during his time in the army. In a past interview with People, he said, 'When you're tired and sleeping in the freezing forest, it's not fun. But it teaches you teamwork, self-discipline, and how to respect the little things in life.' Also Read: Emma Raducanu Defeats Naomi Osaka At Citi Open To Set Up Quarterfinal Clash With Maria Sakkari He claimed that, after those icy evenings, sleeping in a warm bed was a luxury. The mental toughness the program gave him enabled him to tackle difficult events later on. From aiming at snow to standing on Formula 1 podiums, Valtteri Bottas's story in sports is peculiar. FAQs 1. How many F1 races has Valtteri Bottas won? Valtteri Bottas has won 10 Formula 1 races. 2. When did Valtteri Bottas serve in the Finnish military? He served from 2008 to 2009 while also racing professionally. 3. What kind of military training did Valtteri Bottas receive? He was trained as a sniper during his six months in the Finnish army. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
The F1 driver who went from being an army sniper to winning 10 races
Valtteri Bottas spent six months in the Finnish army as part of his mandatory military service, and was trained as a sniper before embarking on his F1 career Many of us have made major career changes, but few have been as drastic as the one experienced by Valtteri Bottas. The Formula 1 favourite has revealed details about his stint as a sniper during mandatory Finnish military service. The 10-time Grand Prix winner was compelled to undertake his nation's compulsory military duties between 2008 and 2009, whilst ascending the ranks towards F1. In 2008, Bottas was racing in the Formula Renault Eurocup series, defeating future F1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne to claim the championship. The subsequent year saw him progress to the Formula Three Euro series, securing third place whilst driving for ART Grand Prix. However, sandwiched between these achievements, he went through military service which remains compulsory in Finland. Fortunately for the future Williams, Mercedes and Sauber driver, his deployment was shortened to six months, ensuring it didn't derail his motorsport ambitions. During an appearance on the Red Flags podcast, Bottas' disclosure prompted presenter Guenther Steiner to quip: "You cheaped out." Bottas then provided further details of what it was like to put his motorsport dreams to one side for that spell. He said: "Because I was racing. But in six months of Finnish winter, I became a sniper. "Yeah, oh you know, like a... I don't think 'scout' is the right word, but the one who goes behind or in between the enemy." And Bottas made it clear that you wouldn't want to be on the opposite side of him in a combat situation, adding: "I was a good shot. That's why they made me kind of a sniper." Upon returning to motorsport, the Finn continued his winning streak. Following his triumph in the 2011 GP3 Series after a dramatic late-season comeback, he was elevated to test and reserve driver status at Williams. The following year, Bottas completed FP1 sessions in all but five rounds of the 2012 F1 schedule before stepping into the series full-time with a struggling Williams team. However, the Grove team's fortunes turned around at the start of the turbo hybrid era, and the Finn scored nine podiums, before joining Mercedes to replace Nico Rosberg. In five years as team-mate to Lewis Hamilton, he won 10 races to ensure his place in the F1 history books. Despite the disruption to his budding motorsport career, Bottas looks back on his time in the military fondly. "Looking back at it, it was actually fun," he previously told People"But for sure, sometimes when I was there, it was not so much fun. Like when you're tired and sleeping in the freezing cold forest for two weeks. But to me, it makes a boy a man. That is kind of the transition for many people, and to me, it did exactly that. "You definitely learn resilience. You learn a lot about teamwork. Because you need to work as a team when you're in extreme conditions or situations. You learn self-discipline for sure. And respect, in a way, for everything. That time also made the small things in life feel more serious. Like having a warm and soft bed after some of the camps was a luxury."
News.com.au
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
F1 team Alpine look to make move to lure Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes for 2026
Formula 1 constructor Alpine have enquired about acquiring 10-time race winner Valtteri Bottas as their second driver in what could be a sensational shake-up on the grid. Alpine are adamant on getting their driver line-up right for 2026 and Bottas, a former Mercedes driver might be the key as the team looks to successfully transition out of a poor year. The Enstone-based team currently sit last in the constructors championship standings with only 11 points. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Their fortunes could be set to change as they look to switch to a Mercedes power unit next year, and a former driver of theirs might just be the perfect fit to help steer their chances. Alpine's executive advisor and de factor team principal Flavio Briatore has enquired with the Silver Arrows about the move with the expectation Mercedes will not stand in the way of their reserve driver landing a permanent seat. Bottas is contracted until the end of the year. While Frenchman Pierre Gasly remains part of the Alpine project moving forward, there are question marks over the second seat currently held by a struggling Frank Colapinto, who already took the seat from Aussie Jack Doohan earlier in the racing season. Bottas suddenly has a couple of suitors. The 35-year-old and former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez are the frontrunners to be the two drivers for Cadillac, which is joining F1 as the sport's 11th team next season. After sacking Doohan, Briatore said Alpine planned to rotate the second seat among their reserve drivers for the reset of the season, depending Colapinto's performance. Highly rated reserve driver Paul Aron will make his debut in the first practice session this weekend at the British Grand Prix for rival team, in an agreement with Alpine. Colapinto has struggled since his debut for the team, still without a point in his five races, however he isn't the only one to blame. Given Gasly has also struggled to perform, notching points on only one occasion since Colapinto's arrival, it's clear the car is not up to the standard that Alpine want. The switch to the Mercedes power unit mean their fortunes could be set to chance next year, meaning a simultaneous driver change could also be in the cards. Bottas makes the most sense, given the experience of 247 grands prix to his name, among them 10 race wins and 67 podiums with Mercedes. The Finnish driver is the reserve driver for Mercedes this year, giving him a unique insight into the development of the 2026 car Alpine will ultimately end up with. Though he remains the reserve driver for Mercedes, his path to the grid remains blocked by George Russell and young sensation Kimi Antonelli who look set to be the driver pairing for the foreseeable future. That is unless Red Bull driver Max Verstappen looks to test his options — the four time champion could find himself in the Mercedes garage if a shock team switch eventuates, but neither scenario helps Bottas.
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Why Valtteri Bottas would be the perfect fit for Alpine
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. According to reports, Alpine reached out to Mercedes' reserve driver, Valtteri Bottas, about his availability. Bottas played a key role in Mercedes winning several Constructors' titles. He is well-travelled around the grid, racing for Sauber in a three-season stint. As Audi is taking over, Sauber made the move to replace Bottas with the German veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg. Bottas decided to stay in the sport and join Mercedes again. With a new set of regulations coming in the upcoming season, he is eyeing a seat for the new cars. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes poses for a photo on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes poses for a photo on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Photo byIn an early June interview, Bottas revealed talks between Alpine and his team. "I think probably there has been some discussions," Bottas explained on F1's "Beyond the Grid." "I haven't really been involved, but I do have a management team who are always in the background seeing what is out there. They do have a Mercedes power unit for the future, which I think is a good call. "They're on their second driver this year and I think the next races will show how that goes. Again, I think on a struggle street, let's say, experience can always help. "But there's lots of politics in this sport. I don't have tens of millions to pay for a seat. Depends on the team but I do have some personal partners that could potentially join me, but still, not to an extent to some others. Let's wait and see a few races and see how things go. You never know if something opens up." Bottas offers a steady, experienced pair of hands behind the wheel. He is familiar with the Mercedes power unit and knows how to get familiar with a new engine formula. Mercedes is reportedly willing to help Bottas make the move to Alpine happen, especially since there is a new partnership between his current team and the French organization. Alpine's current driver situation alongside Pierre Gasly remains muddled, leaving the door open for Bottas. Do we like this seat? — Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) June 23, 2025 Gasly is, without a doubt, the team's lead driver whom they are building around for the future. He is a consistent driver who delivers results and pushes any car he drives further up the grid. Colapinto came over from Williams during the offseason as the reserve driver for a big fee. Despite the expense, Alpine featured Jack Doohan in the second seat of the team, opting to reward a driver from the French team's academy. After not impressing in the leadership, Doohan was given the axe by Alpine in the first half of the season. They promoted Colapinto to the second seat, but through five races, he still hasn't scored a point yet. Alpine's car isn't one of the best on the grid - Gasly has only finished in the points once during Colapinto's scoreless streak. They are still backing Colapinto for the rest of the season. He is continuing to drive for the team on a race-by-race basis. While not the flashiest option, Bottas can help get Alpine back into the midfield amid its run of poor results. He will give specific feedback on car development and knows what teams need in order to win. For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
