Bottas left the Mercedes fold after the 2021 season, making way for current team leader George Russell, after a 5-year span as Hamilton's teammate at the Silver Arrows.

Having returned to Mercedes for the 2025 campaign in the role of third driver and reserve, after three years driving for Sauber, Bottas is now awaiting the start of 2026 season when he is set to man one of the two cars Cadillac will field in its debut season, alongside fellow veteran Sergio Perez.

Speaking with Motorsport.com during the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Finn was asked regarding Hamilton's form.

Making emphasis on the challenge changing F1 teams supposes, he said the impact would've been more profound for Hamilton, going from undisputed number 1 at Mercedes to being on equal terms with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

"It's always a big change, especially for him," Bottas said. "He stayed at Mercedes for a long time, so he got used to the way they work.

The Finn does state though, that Hamilton's adaptation to Ferrari is still not yet cemented, which has taken longer than it was originally expected, which coupled with Leclerc's form, which Bottas believes was underestimated, renders the noise that now engulfs his former teammate's debut Ferari season as nothing more than a logical consequence.

He continued: "I think everyone agrees that it's taking longer than expected for him to adapt, but he showed his speed at times. I think next year will show what he can still do."

"I think so [there is a lot of talk]. People need to talk, it's natural. But maybe some people have also underestimated Charles, how good he is. So yes, I think he will be fine," Bottas concluded.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has stated recently that Hamilton has showed speed at times, but ultimately his performance has been inconsistent and below the standards his reported high salary, which the German believes can no longer be justified by Ferrari chairman John Elkann. Schumacher then suggested the Scuderia should instead thank Hamilton for services rendered and put Oliver Bearman in the car alongside Leclerc. You can read his full comments here.

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