The biggest news in Formula 1 in 2024 was the future transition of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025.
Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas, who spent five years as the Briton's teammate at Mercedes, discussed the seven-time world champion's decision.
“I was surprised. I never thought that this could happen. But I think it will be good for him. This is a huge opportunity, this is a huge step, and obviously he made the decision himself,” Valtteri was quoted as saying by Planet F1.
“Of course, this will lead to more active market movements in 2025, so at the moment it is quite difficult to predict how things will go.”
“I think it's a big challenge. I'm sure it's a big motivation for him to take Ferrari to the top. So yeah, it's cool and like I said, it's definitely going to create a movement in the future, which is good for the whole sport – and for some riders.”
Source: Getty Images
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The day before Hamilton's retirement was announced, Bottas posted a photo from Brackley, where the Silver Arrows are based.. However, the Finnish racer said that he was in the city “on other business.”
“It's not a lie, I was actually in Brackley the day before. It's not like I was at the Mercedes plant, but I was doing something else there.”
“No, we haven't spoken on the phone with Toto (Wolff, Mercedes boss) yet.. Obviously, my priority and biggest commitment is the Audi project.”
“But if that hadn't happened, there really isn't a team I wouldn't go to.. I know my priorities and I have my list.”
Earlier, information appeared that Sauber was going to change the driver lineup in 2025, and therefore Valtteri Bottas risks losing his place in the team.
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