Valtteri Bottas gave a realistic assessment of his situation
Valtteri Bottas reflects on his initial performance during the first Formula 1 test week with the new Cadillac team, expressing cautious optimism for the upcoming season.
Valtteri Bottas, a Finnish racing driver, has made a return to Formula 1 with the new Cadillac team after a year's hiatus. As the Formula 1 circus continues into the second winter testing week in Bahrain, Bottas commented on the significant changes in both the cars and power sources, which have the potential to make racing even more exciting this season. He acknowledged that along with these changes, the competitive landscape has shifted dramatically, making the power dynamics currently quite intriguing.
In the midst of these transformations, Bottas approaches the upcoming season with realistic expectations. At 36 years old, he emphasizes the importance of setting achievable goals, particularly as his new team is starting from scratch. Bottas's assessment of the team's early performance indicates a positive start, especially after they completed a total of 320 laps during the first test week, ranking eighth out of eleven teams. He noted that there were some minor issues and unexpected problems during testing, which is typical for a new team embarking on its initial journey in Formula 1.
Bottas's experience and perspective as a veteran driver will be crucial for the Cadillac team as they strive to establish themselves in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. His collaboration with teammate Sergio Perez during the testing period has showcased a promising start to their endeavor. With both drivers gathering valuable data, they aim to address the technical challenges they faced and build upon their initial outings to prepare for the season ahead. The upcoming races hold great potential, amid the uncertainties that come with a new team, and Bottas is determined to make the most of this opportunity to return to the F1 grid.