Former Driver Questions Valtteri Bottas’ F1 ‘Hunger’

2022 Japanese Grand Prix, Saturday - Valtteri Bottas
2022 Japanese Grand Prix, Saturday - Valtteri Bottas

Well-known racing driver Toni Vilander has criticised his fellow Finn Valtteri Bottas.

Since losing his Mercedes seat at the end of 2021, 33-year-old Bottas has seemed much more relaxed.

He even strolled into the Melbourne paddock this weekend with a local ‘mullet’ hairstyle, Australian style ‘flip flops’ and a self-styled ‘tank top’.

He also enjoys a laid back lifestyle away from the paddock with his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell and together they have invested in their own gin brand.

“A few years ago I started investing in different things so that I would have other passions than F1,” Bottas told Ilta Sanomat newspaper.

“As a rookie, I wouldn’t have come to the circuit in flip flops, but now I don’t take myself so seriously. I am what I am and others will have to get used to it.”

However, 2023 has not started well at all for Bottas as he languishes deep in the second half of the grid at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo.

Apart from Sergio Perez, who beached his Red Bull in the gravel in Q1, Bottas is dead last on the Melbourne grid.

“The car understeered quite a lot. That’s really the only feeling,” Bottas told Viaplay afterwards.

“It’s hard to say what caused it. Did the others just find more speed? We’ve got to look into it.”

According to former Le Mans class winner Vilander, however, Bottas simply doesn’t seem “hungry” for success anymore.

“I’d rather see him hungry,” he said. “A bit of a fist-on-the-table attitude.

“I wish Valtteri 3.0 or 4.0 was more aggressive. You just can’t be satisfied with that. It’s a big disappointment.”

Vilander worries that Bottas’ happy off-track lifestyle is hurting him on the track.

“Yes, I think there should be a lot more of that hunger. He should be beating his teammate every single time at least.”

More in News

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 27: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed qualifier Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team talk in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 27, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305270377 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Snatches Dramatic Monaco Pole

Max Verstappen has snatched a last-gasp pole position at the ...
2023 Monaco Grand Prix, Friday - Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton Desperate For Strong Monaco Result

Toto Wolff has insisted he would dread the seven-time world ...
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 26: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305261052 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Fights Back, Fastest In Monaco FP2

Max Verstappen set the pace in the second free practice ...
Ferrari's Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Ferrari’s Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Friday at the Monaco Grand Prix saw Scuderia Ferrari drivers ...
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Amr23

Fernando Alonso Off To A Fast Start In Monaco

Fernando Alonso got off to a fast start in Monaco, ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle