| Car Number | #77 |
| Team | Cadillac |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| Born | August 28, 1989 - Nastola, Finland |
| Age | 36 |
2026 Season Stats
Career Stats
Biography
Valtteri Viktor Bottas is a Finnish Formula 1 veteran whose career includes 10 race victories, five constructors' championships as part of Mercedes, and a reputation as one of the most dependable drivers of his generation. Born on August 28, 1989 in Nastola, Finland, Bottas followed in the footsteps of Finnish F1 legends like Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen, carrying on a proud tradition of Nordic excellence in motorsport.
Bottas made his F1 debut with Williams in 2013 and quickly established himself as a reliable, fast driver capable of strong qualifying performances. His promotion to Mercedes for 2017 - replacing the retiring Nico Rosberg - put him alongside Lewis Hamilton in the most dominant team in F1 history. Over five seasons at Mercedes (2017-2021), Bottas won 10 races and contributed significantly to the team's run of constructors' championships, though the drivers' title always eluded him against the brilliance of Hamilton.
After leaving Mercedes, Bottas moved to Alfa Romeo (later Sauber) for 2022, taking on a team leadership role at a midfield outfit. The experience of driving for a smaller team was a change of pace, but Bottas brought professionalism and development skills that helped the team improve. His move to Cadillac for 2026 represents another new chapter, as the American manufacturer enters F1 as a new constructor.
Without points after three races at Cadillac, Bottas is helping build a team from the ground up. His experience at Mercedes - understanding what a championship-winning operation looks like - is invaluable to a new entrant. At 36, Bottas knows that the immediate results may not come, but his role in establishing the culture and standards at Cadillac could have a lasting impact on American motorsport in Formula 1.
Interesting Facts
- Won 10 races and 20 pole positions during his career, all with Mercedes
- Was Lewis Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes for five seasons (2017-2021)
- Part of five constructors' championship-winning teams at Mercedes
- Known for his love of cycling and coffee - frequently posts about both on social media
- Became one of the most recognizable Finnish athletes worldwide during his Mercedes years
- His move to Cadillac makes him part of the first new F1 team entry in years