Happy birthday to the resident F1 barista Valtteri Bottas! He turns 33 today, and EverythingF1 would like to wish him many happy returns.
Bottas joined F1 in 2013 after winning the GP3 title in 2011. He made his F1 debut with Williams during the 2011 season when he took part in a free practice session. He made his full F1 debut add the season opener in Australia that year. Go to end of his time at Williams with nine podiums.
At the end of the 2016 season Nico Rosberg announced his shock retirement after clinching the world championship at the final round. This paved the way for Bottas to take up the second seat at Mercedes, and enjoy some of the best racing in his career.
In 2017 Bottas took the first pole position of his career at the US Bahrain Grand Prix. Later on in the season he claimed his first win at that years Russian Grand Prix, a circuit which would turn out to be one of his best.
During his time at Mercedes, Bottas scored 10 race victories and 58 podiums. He also helped Mercedes claim five consecutive constructors championships, as well as aiding then teammates Lewis Hamilton to four consecutive world championships. Valtteri also finished runner-up in the drivers championship in 2019 and 2020.
In September 2021 it was announced that George Russell will be joining Mercedes, and Valtteri would be leaving. It was also announced that Bottas would be taking up a multi year deal at Alfa Romeo fo 2022, where he is currently racing.