Lewis Hamilton has previously spoken about his relationship with Valtteri Bottas Lewis Hamilton may not have the opportunity to see his former Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at Grands Prix next year as the Finnish driver is facing the axe from Sauber. Hamilton and Bottas were colleagues for five seasons at the Silver Arrows and helped their team win the Constructors’ Championship title every season they raced together. The duo have remained close since Bottas was replaced by George Russell, with Hamilton explaining last year that they still “support each other and travel together to races”.
After signing a contract to join Ferrari, the seven-time F1 world champion is expected to leave Mercedes at the end of the current season, three years after Bottas left the team. Meanwhile, Autosport reports that teenage sensation Gabriel Bortoleto is in the running to join Sauber after making an impression in F2. The Brazilian, backed by McLaren, is in the running to win the F2 championship, one year after winning the F3 championship.
That would be unfortunate news for Hamilton, who spoke about his relationship with Bottas on the Mercedes YouTube channel last year, saying: “Valtteri was just such a great team-mate and colleague.” Sauber may consider a completely new driving team next season, a year before they rebrand as Audi and have already decided to bring in Nico Hulkenberg. This means that at least one of Bottas or Zhou Guanyu will not have a seat with the team next year. And if Bortoleto arrives, both drivers will be out of a job.
By signing up, you allow us to better understand you and deliver material in ways that you have approved to. Advertising from us and other parties may be included, depending on what we understand. Unsubscribing is possible at any time. View our privacy statement. “And when I talk about team-mate, I think not enough people really think about it, but there is like a conflict of interest here in our sport. “We’ve got two Championships. A drivers’ championship and a team championship, which we are contracted to handle. Our goal as a team is to score as many points as possible, either individually or collectively, but there will always be internal rivalry because you want to beat your teammates.
“There is always a narrow path to follow, and it is very simple to err and tumble off the path. I never lost my temper with Valtteri. We always just spoke on things.
