Written by Lily Dixon, Edited by Meghana Sree
The legendary years between 2017 and 2021 not only marked four of Lewis Hamilton’s seven World Drivers’ Championships and five World Constructors’ Championships for Mercedes, but also a partnership that transcended trophies: Valtteri Bottas and the team that brought him his first and only wins, pole positions and podiums.
Though Mercedes' glory years often spotlight their knight in shining carbon fibre Hamilton, standing atop motorsports’ pinnacle, an unsung, yet crucial figure deserves recognition is Bottas — his former dedicated teammate who will be returning to the German outfit in 2025 as a reserve driver.
You’ll never forget your first, and for Valtteri Bottas, the year 2017 marked something more elusive than a child’s first steps or a person’s first love. Something only 115 people have been able to accomplish: the success of winning a Grand Prix.
The Year of “Firsts”
2017 Australian Grand Prix
A self-proclaimed honorary Australian, Bottas qualified and finished third in his first Grand Prix outing as a Mercedes driver.
After the surprise retirement of reigning world champion Nico Rosberg, Bottas was given the opportunity of a lifetime: Driving for the team that had won three consecutive WCC titles and would go on to establish the longest consecutive streak (eight) in F1 history.
2017 Russian Grand Prix
Bottas took his first win in his inaugural season with Mercedes, establishing his adaptability and rapid integration with the team.
Two years later, at the same race, he would surrender his lead to teammate Hamilton in an effort to help boost his teammate’s points tally in the World Drivers’ Championship.
2017 Austrian Grand Prix
That summer he secured his first-ever pole position for Mercedes, leading to a 1-2 finish for the Brackley-based team. He managed to hold off Hamilton in a late-race charge, showcasing his growing confidence and ability under pressure.
Though his success during the 2017 season reached great heights, he struggled to maintain that consistency heading into his sophomore season with Mercedes.
Bottas experienced a year of lows, with a dry spell of no wins and falling behind his teammate, who claimed 11 victories to his null.
However, he would rebound in subsequent seasons, creating some of his most iconic moments, from unforgettable quotes that etched themselves into the motorsport hall of fame to stunning victories that left fans in awe.
Iconic Moments
2019 Australian Grand Prix
“To whom it may concern…” Bottas returned to the race, sending a message to the media and his critics that he was back and ready to challenge for the World Drivers’ Championship.
A stunning win from pole position in Melbourne set the tone for a season in which he would continue to challenge Hamilton for victories.
Unfortunately, his teammate’s consistency eventually triumphed, but Bottas had proved himself to be a dog in the fight.
2020 Austrian Grand Prix
Starting on pole and leading every lap of the race, Bottas overcame adversity to claim a stunning victory and kickstart his title bid.
Multiple retirements, including those of Kevin Magnussen, George Russell and Kimi Räikkönen, added chaos to the race, triggering several safety cars and causing turmoil on the Mercedes pitwall.
However, Bottas fought his way to the chequered flag, even managing to avoid kerbs when his gearbox began to malfunction.
Though Bottas’ time at Mercedes ended shortly after the 2020 season, his stunning victory and his years with the German team secured him a place in the sport’s history books and in the hearts of motorsport fans around the world.
But 2020 wasn’t his last season with Mercedes, and Bottas entered 2021 determined to go out with a bang.
Making a Mark to the End
2021 Russian Grand Prix
Fighting through heavy rain and mixed tyre strategies, Bottas made a remarkable recovery from 16th on the grid to narrowly miss out on a podium, finishing just a few seconds behind in P5.
His consistency at the Sochi Autodrom, combined with impressive overtaking, made this one of his most memorable performances.
2021 Turkish Grand Prix
Bottas’ only win of the season, and his last with Mercedes, came at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix.
Finishing 14.5 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen in P2, Bottas delivered a dominant performance, marking a fitting farewell to the top team before heading to Alfa Romeo (now Sauber) for 2022 and beyond.
Bottas consistently displayed superb racecraft and an unwavering commitment to teamwork during his time with Mercedes.
One prime example was the 2019 British Grand Prix, where he started on pole, lost the lead later in the race to Hamilton, and graciously acknowledged his teammate's superior performance, despite being visibly disappointed.
Securing 20 pole positions, 58 podiums and 10 wins with Mercedes, Bottas’ tenure with the team stands as one of the most successful and victorious partnerships in modern F1 history.
Hamilton's dominance often overshadowed Bottas, but the Finnish driver’s role in Mercedes' success was undeniable. As Bottas returns to the team in 2025 as a reserve driver, deep connection and experience with Mercedes will prove invaluable.
And though he’ll no longer be racing on the front lines, next to his old teammate, Bottas’ return to the team is a testament to his impact on the Brackley-based outfit, continuing to support Mercedes eight years later.
So “What’s Next?” for Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes?
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