Bottas leaves Mercedes: "A new chapter in my racing career" at Alfa Romeo

On Monday afternoon, Alfa Romeo confirmed that Valtteri Bottas will drive for them next season. The Finnish driver will leave Mercedes at the end of the year and is likely to be replaced by George Russell. In his first reaction, Bottas spoke about opening a new chapter. 

New chapter 

Bottas has been at Mercedes since 2017. He came in quickly to replace Nico Rosberg who retired after winning the 2016 World Champion. Bottas has never been able to pose a serious threat to Lewis Hamilton's title chances and has played a supportive role ever since. Now, at Alfa Romeo, Bottas can start a new chapter. 

"A new chapter in my racing career is opening: I’m excited to join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN for 2022 and beyond for what is going to be a new challenge with an iconic manufacturer. Alfa Romeo is a brand that needs no introduction, they have written some great pages of Formula One history and it’s going to be an honour to represent this marque," Bottas said in the press release.

"The potential of the setup in Hinwil is clear and I am relishing the opportunity to help lead the team forward up the grid, especially with the new regulations in 2022 giving the team a chance to make a leap in performance. I’m grateful for the trust the team has put in me and I cannot wait to repay their faith: I’m as hungry as ever to race for results and, when the time comes, for wins," Bottas added.

Knowing the team 

"I know Fred [Vasseur] well and I am looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team I am going to work with, building relationships as strong as the ones I have at Mercedes. I am proud of what I have achieved in Brackley and I am fully focused on finishing the job as we fight for another world championship, but I am also looking forward to the new challenges that await me next year," Bottas concluded.