A former Finnish military sniper and the holder of the fastest top speed ever recorded in Formula One — 231.5 mph. These are some of the descriptors attached to Valtteri Bottas, 36, reserve driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
Debuting in 2013, Bottas is regarded as one of the most seasoned drivers on the F1 grid and currently serves as a mentor to Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli. When he appeared at Mercedes’ demonstration run in South Korea last month, he was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from fans. This season marks his final year with Mercedes; next year, he will join the new Cadillac F1 Team as a full-time race driver.
Most F1 drivers begin karting before age seven and progress through F4, F3, and F2. As one of the few selected from millions worldwide, Bottas has lived that demanding journey in full.
On November 20, during the 2025 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, The Korea Daily met him to discuss his memories of Korean fans, life as an F1 driver, and his thoughts ahead of his move to a new team.
Q: You visited Korea last month. How was the experience?
A: “I was truly amazed. I could feel how popular F1 has become, and I was surprised by the sheer number of fans who came out to see it. I raced in Korea back in 2013, and the atmosphere was completely different this time.”
Q: How did you find the passion of Korean fans?
A: “Korean fans are incredibly passionate and excited about motorsport, yet they’re also very polite. If they see that I’m in a hurry, they naturally give me space. That’s not something you see everywhere. Korean fans are considerate, and they seem warm-hearted and well-educated.”
Q: This year, you served as a reserve driver. What was that like?
A: “I learned how to see F1 from a different angle. It gave me even more motivation for next year, and as a result, I achieved my main goal for the season — securing a race seat for 2026.”
Q: What was that different angle?
A: “Taking one step back was refreshing. For 12 years, I experienced F1 only from inside the cockpit. This year, I had time to observe the sport and how teams operate as a whole. It gave me an even deeper respect for F1.”
Q: What do people often overlook behind F1’s glamorous image?
A: “Many don’t realize how busy we are between races. During a Grand Prix weekend, the pressure and stress are immense for both drivers and teams. Between events, there’s constant travel, appearances, partner obligations, and post-race analysis. People would be surprised by how little time we actually spend at home.”
Q: Some say F1 is a political sport. How do you see it?
A: “F1 is a big business involving a lot of money. Politics naturally follow. It’s just the nature of it.”
Q: Your lighthearted social media posts draw a lot of attention. Is that your natural personality?
A: “Yes. Over time, I learned to just be myself. I try not to take life too seriously. Things feel easier when you don’t overthink everything. Experience gave me more confidence, and that allowed me to show my true self. That’s also why social media has become enjoyable for me — and I’m glad people appreciate it.”
Q: Have you ever feared speed?
A: “Never. I don’t fear speed — I enjoy it.”
Q: How about when you drive normally on the road?
A: “That’s completely different. Speed is for the circuit only (laugh).”
Q: Did your military experience influence your F1 career?
A: “I learned a lot about teamwork in the army. I realized that working together is far stronger than working alone. I also developed perseverance and resilience. The military was a valuable experience that helped me greatly as an F1 driver.”
Q: Next year, you return as a full-time race driver. How do you feel?
A: “I’m excited. I feel no pressure or nervousness — just a strong eagerness to race again.”
Q: How are you preparing for the move?
A: “I’ve already started working with Cadillac. We’ve been having regular meetings, and simulator work begins soon. I’ll focus mainly on physical training over the winter. From January onward, testing resumes, so things are already getting busy.”
Q: What is your goal for next season?
A: “To perform at my best and contribute to the team both on and off the track. Helping the team make steady progress during the first season is a realistic goal. Besides, I wouldn’t say that challenging for a world championship is off the table.”
Q: And as a person, beyond being a driver, how would you like to be remembered?
A: “Simply as an honest person — someone genuine, someone who lived according to his passion.”
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
