F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Bottas: 'I have not achieved anything in F1 yet'

He may have four seasons and 77 races under his belt, but Valtteri Bottas will consider himself a Formula 1 spring chicken until the day he wins his first Grand Prix.

Bottas' move to Williams following a 45-day speculation period about who would replace Nico Rosberg has put the Finn in the enviable position of racing with the best team on the grid.

A privilege which comes with many perks, but also the necessity to perform, a demand Bottas is fully aware of.

"I’m starting my fifth season in so I have some kind of experience but I feel I have not achieved anything in Formula 1 yet.

"So I’m really hungry for the wins and for us to win the title. For me personally, I’m prepared to work really hard. I’m still young and fast.

"Obviously, Lewis [Hamilton] is going to be a great reference, he is a multiple world champion and everyone knows exactly how good he is.

"It’s going to be great to be his team-mate, also for me to compare to him, but first of all for us to work together and push the team forward."

Bottas isn't expecting to step into his Mercedes and into the winner's circle over night, but his sights are thoroughly set on gaining access to the highest step of the podium. The sooner, the better.

"For sure, I need to go step by step. Getting my first win will be the first target but I’m setting the goal that I can perform at the level where the car is from the first race onwards.

"And for the whole season bring as many points, as many podiums, as many wins with this car. The Drivers' Championship is now the only goal for me."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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

Senna on-track tribute ‘one of the strongest emotions’ felt by Vettel

Sebastian Vettel admitted that Sunday’s tribute laps to Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at Imola…

14 hours ago

Wolff tells Horner to ‘work on the math’ regarding poached staff

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff hit back last weekend in Imola at Christian Honer’s claim…

15 hours ago

Perez always expected P8 as ‘the best we could get’ in Imola GP

Sergio Perez’s run to P8 in Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix looked as uninspiring as…

16 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 Emilia Romagna GP

Alex Albon (Retired, Lap 51): 5/10 Alex Albon's star has dimmed this season, in large…

18 hours ago

Sainz 'not very happy' with Ferrari 'inconsistencies’ at Imola

Carlos Sainz admitting to enduring an unenjoyable Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, highlighting the…

19 hours ago

Remembering Niki...

Five years ago today, Formula 1 and the motorsport family at large mourned the loss…

20 hours ago