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Departing Bottas 'forever part of the Mercedes family'

31 December 2021 at 15:36
Last update 31 December 2021 at 17:59
  • GPblog.com

After five seasons, Valtteri Bottas said goodbye to Mercedes this year. The Finn joined the team in 2017 as a replacement for the suddenly departure Nico Rosberg. Next season, he will switch to Alfa Romeo. In a video, Mercedes paid a nice tribute to the departing driver.

Bottas always part of the Mercedes family

Bottas drove 101 Grands Prix for Mercedes. Twenty times he was on pole position and no less than 58 times on the podium. This made him a major contributor to the five Constructors' titles that Bottas won with Mercedes. Bottas finished second in the World Championship twice, but could never really threaten his team mate Lewis Hamilton.

After five seasons, his time with Mercedes has come to an end. The Finn will make way for the young talent George Russell. In a video, a large part of the Mercedes staff can be seen saying, "Thank you Valtteri." Team boss Toto Wolff let it be known that although Bottas will drive for another team, he will "forever remain part of the Mercedes family."