Valtteri Bottas admits he has a big problem with Mercedes leaving gift

Lewis Hamilton goes undercover to inspire school children (LONG VERSION)

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Ex-Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas says he has nowhere to put his leaving gift from his former employers. At the conclusion of the 2021 F1 season, the Finnish racer left the Silver Arrows after five years to sign for Alfa Romeo, as George Russell took his place alongside Lewis Hamilton.

He will replace fellow Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen, while Antonio Giovinazzi makes way for the 22-year-old rookie Guanyu Zhou.

Bottas won ten races with Mercedes and clinched 58 podiums, contributing 1,327 points.

He was unable to secure a Driver’s Championship, twice finishing runner-up to Hamilton.

However, the 32-year-old played a pivotal role in helping secure eight consecutive constructors’ titles for Mercedes.

At Mercedes’ Brackley factory the team celebrated their constructors’ title win and also gave Bottas a sendoff.

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The icing on the cake was the driver’s parting gift, his 2017 Russian Grand Prix winning Mercedes W08.

The race marked Bottas’ very first victory in F1.

During an appearance on the ‘Speaking Frankly About Me’ podcast, Bottas shared his shock upon receiving his present.

“It was a little surprise but a nice gift. Now I just don’t have anywhere to put it!” he chuckled.

“I was stunned myself when I saw what kind of send-off they had organised for me – a parade, fireworks and music. I realised they also appreciated what I had done for the team.”

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Bottas’ last race for Mercedes was marred with controversy as Hamilton was denied a record eighth F1 world championship.

Following the contentious decisions from race director Michael Masi, Bottas believes Hamilton should’ve been crowned champion ahead of Verstappen.

“It hurts that Lewis didn’t get the Drivers’ [Championship], I feel like I lost the championship because he lost it,” the Finn told F1’s official website.

“I really feel gutted for him because I feel like he deserved it. Lewis had a great race and then things change like this.

“But you know, that’s just sport, that’s just how it is. Sometimes it goes against, sometimes it goes for you.”

Speaking about his Mercedes departure, Bottas added: “Now it’s time for something new. I’m really, really proud and thankful what we’ve achieved together.

“We’ve done great things. It wasn’t maybe the best race to finish it, but you need to look at the big picture. We’ve won five Constructors’ [Championships].

“With Lewis we’ve been the most successful team-mate pairing in the history of Formula 1, so it’s kind of sad to leave – but of course I look forward to the future.”

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