Bottas happy with appreciation Alfa Romeo: 'I’ve never had that before'

Valtteri Bottas signed a multi-year contract at Alfa Romeo for the first time in his Formula 1 career, after always being offered a one-year extension at both Williams and Mercedes. For the first time in years, the Finn went into the summer break with a contract in his pocket and he is enjoying the security it offers.

Bottas rediscovered his love for F1 when he switched from Mercedes to Alfa Romeo. He admits he sometimes misses the chance to win races, but that does not outweigh the feeling his new team gives him. The 33-year-old Finn now feels more than just the driver of the car, as he is involved in everything by his team.

Bottas happy with security at Alfa Romeo

For example, Alfa Romeo is asking the driver for his opinion on the development of the new car, something Bottas has not experienced before. "It's really interesting to be involved and have my opinion. I’m enjoying it, it’s a new thing for me, I’ve never had it before as such," he said in an interview with Crash.net.

Something Bottas is also experiencing for the first time is having certainty about his future. "It’s nice to be able to work for the long-term, instead of the short-term," he continued. Instead of trying to prove himself every race, he can concentrate on working with his team.

"For example, during the holidays, for many years I had the August break wondering, 'do I have a seat next year or not?'" the Finn continued. Even though he is now driving in midfield, Bottas is convinced he needed this change. "I definitely needed something new, a new environment, new targets, new people around me." The feeling he had when he debuted in F1, but which he had somewhat lost in recent years, is back in full force.