F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Bottas' private Mercedes sale fuels silly exit rumours

Valtteri Bottas just can't catch a break. The Finn was trolled on social media on Thursday after a post on Twitter was interpreted as a sure sign of his impending exit from Mercedes.

Bottas' message advertised the sale on a Finnish website of his personal electric blue Mercedes AMG GT, with the nine-time Grand Prix winner hoping to collect €190,000 from an eventual buyer to whom he would hand over the keys personally in Helsinki.

But wait, there's more! The lucky buyer will also spend a day karting with Val in Lahti, as the proceeds of the Merc's sale will reportedly go to the local karting complex.

As usual, the malicious tweets – and tweeps – were right on cue just minutes after Bottas took to Twitter to promote his car's sale.

"If this doesn't say your leaving Mercedes I don't know what does," wrote one wicked mind, while another suggested that the ad was a mere hint at things to come for Bottas.

Another well-intended fan couldn't help but remind the Finn that last year, Sebastian Vettel sold most of his private Ferraris after he was dismissed by the Scuderia.

The silly messages continued all day to populate the Finn's Twitter thread, spurred on by the speculation in the real world over Bottas' fate with Mercedes for 2022.

Regardless of what the future holds for Valtteri, as of today, he remains a Mercedes driver fully supported by Sir Lewis and team boss Toto Wolff.

"As of today, I only care about two drivers and they are Valtteri and Lewis," the Mercedes boss said in Spain last week.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

7 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

8 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

10 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

11 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

13 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

14 hours ago