Still hungry for success, Valtteri Bottas continues to love letting his driving do the talking

With an ice-cold gaze and a remarkable ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations, Valtteri Bottas unlike other famous Finns who came before him in Formula 1.

There is, of course, Mika Hakkinen, who can boast consecutive world titles in 1998-99 at a time when Michael Schumacher is threatening to dominate the sport, but is the most recent F1 star that Finland produced – before Bottas’ arrived on the scene – was Kimi Raikkonen.

A world champion with Ferrari in 2007, Raikkonen first gained attention by exhibiting traits similar to those of his compatriot who preceded him, and similarly, racing ability – and Bottas’ personality – have also been shown to be possible. comparison with his Finnish predecessors.

But while Raikkonen has at times scorned the scrutiny that accompanies being an F1 driver, Bottas’ similar avoidance – and the perception that he is also a man of few words – is one thing. perhaps stemming more from indifference .

While his partners are emotional, even theatrical, and cater to a whole new generation of fans with interests other than rotation, Bottas is still quite happy to simply be let his driver talk to him.

“I don’t understand why (because it’s different),” he told ESPN. “Other drivers have different preferences and that’s fine but (for me) driving is what’s important in the sport.”

The Alfa Romeo the driver spoke to ESPN first Singapore Grand Prixon the sidelines of a closed event at the flagship store of PUMA – the team’s official supplier of racing gear – located along the country’s famous Orchard Road shopping belt.

This weekend’s Singapore GP marks the first time Formula 1 has graced the Asian nation since the coronavirus pandemic forced the 2020 and 2021 races to be cancelled.

Since then, glamorous new locations have been introduced, threatening to usurp what was once called the “jewel” of the F1 calendar but also a track that has drawn criticism for not really being a spectacle. racing – supposedly overtaking on the famous Marina Bay circuit circuit is hard.

So is Bottas a fan of the Singapore GP?

“It’s great to be back,” said the 33-year-old. “When I arrived and saw the view of the city with its lights and buildings, it was a wonderful place: the original nighttime F1 race.

“And then, seeing all the fans who are so excited to have us back, I’m excited too.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s a tough race – an extremely difficult race – you feel the pain at the end of the race. I’ve only been on the podium once before but I’m looking forward to it. Always a pretty unpredictable race with safe cars and stuff.

“It’s important (to have a race like the Singapore GP.) It’s nice to have certain standard tracks on the calendar but also something different like this. Also, visually, It’s a beautiful place.For the cameras, it’s a dream place.

“So yes, it has its place on the calendar.”

For Bottas, 2022 has proven to be an eventful year in his first year with Alfa Romeo after five seasons with Mercedesin which they won the constructors championship every year.

With just 46 points, Finn has more than tripled what Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi – as well as reserve driver Robert Kubica – achieved in 2021.

However, the past seven races have not only seen him finish beyond the point spot, but have also included three retirements.

Overall, though, for someone who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight, it’s a pretty good change of scenery for Bottas after his time driving for a title contender alongside the seven-time world champion. times in Lewis Hamilton.

Though that doesn’t necessarily mean his thirst for success has waned.

“The start of the season has been really positive,” he added. “We’ve been scoring consistently. We’ve had some reliability issues lately.

“So with the development of the car, we have also started to look at next year. But we still want to finish the season strong.

“Things have changed, coming from a rather pressurized environment – that’s the case with fighting for titles. Now (with Alfa Romeo) the goal is to be stronger in the coming years, so that’s it. another approach.

“However, I am really motivated and of course still have the ability (to do well now).

“I think the trick is to try to take the pressure off from the outside and try to use the pressure that you put on yourself. If you want to be successful, you need to have a hidden pressure inside.

“But over time, with more races and seasons, you learn to take life not too seriously sometimes. And enjoying the sport is very important.

“It doesn’t last forever so you need to make the most of it every day. It’s a team sport so it’s really important to do everything together as a team and I’m really enjoying it at the moment. .”

For a man known to be quiet, Bottas certainly had a lot to say. Smart and attractive.

And with one of his other communications commitments – which he considers “part of the job” – completed, he flashed his warmest smile and offered a friendly handshake. .

Ice is cool but far from cold. Quiet but hardly silent.

As he did while praising Singapore – both the city and the grand prize – in glowing words, as well as tapping into the yearning for success that was still within him, Bottas could certainly speak up when he he has to do that.

He just likes to let his driving do the talking most of the time.