Valtteri Bottas leans on his extensive experience as he fights to extend his Formula 1 career with Stake F1.
Valtteri Bottas is fighting to save his Formula 1 career by extending his time with Stake F1 for at least another year. He has highlighted his valuable experience, especially in light of a particularly challenging period for Sauber (read more here).
While most of his competitors are young drivers, fellow Finn Mika Häkkinen believes Bottas is right to use his experience as a key argument to retain his seat.
“I still think it’s very possible for Valtteri’s F1 career to continue, but we’ll have to wait and see. Experience is something no one can take away from him,” said Häkkinen, who commends his compatriot’s resilience but hints at growing frustration.
“I’ve already said Valtteri is a very talented driver. Team bosses appreciate his work ethic. He’s very dedicated to his job and doesn’t complain much. Well… now he can complain.”
If Bottas isn’t in F1 next year, it would mark the first time in 35 years that no Finnish driver has competed in the top category. Since September 1989, JJ Lehto, Häkkinen, Mika Salo, Kimi Räikkönen, Heikki Kovalainen, and Valtteri Bottas have consistently represented the country.
Häkkinen wonders about the impact of such a streak coming to an end, particularly for the sport’s popularity in Finland: “It’s an unimaginable dominance. I don’t know if I’m worried. Not because of that. Of course, it’s bad for business.”
“I think viewership will drop significantly, and interest in the sport will automatically decrease. In that sense, it’s bad. But it won’t change the world if there’s no Finn in F1.”
“There are kart drivers who are very fast. They can handle the pressure, and they’re quick. The only issue is the same old story—money.”
Among Finland’s young prospects, Ferrari recently signed Tuukka Taponen to its academy, and he will likely compete in F3 in 2025. Häkkinen sees a bright future for him: “Tuukka is definitely a strong F1 contender, the doors are wide open for him!”
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Bottas Fights for F1 Future, Häkkinen Backs Experience Bottas Fights for F1 Future, Häkkinen Backs Experience
