Bottas aims to end Mercedes chapter "as champions"

Valtteri Bottas labelled his partnership with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes as a "privilege" but insisted it was not the time to say his goodbyes yet with a championship still on the line.

The Finn's switch to Alfa Romeo has been confirmed, bringing an end to a five-year relationship with the Silver Arrows.

With a maximum of nine races left, Bottas can still push Mercedes to the constructors' title ahead of Red Bull, something he knows all too well.

"I am so proud of everything we have achieved together in my time with Mercedes - and it is not over yet, because we have our biggest challenge so far to try and claim our eighth constructors' title," said Bottas.

"When I look back on my time with Mercedes, I want to be able to say that I squeezed every drop out of this opportunity and left nothing on the table; and I want to make sure that we finish our time together as champions.

"It has been a privilege and a great sporting challenge to work with Lewis, and the harmony in our relationship played a big part in the constructors' championships we won as teammates.

"Later this year, the time will come to say goodbye -that's not for now, but I would like to thank Toto and the team for the respect in how we took the decision together."

Bottas "mission is clear"

Bottas is replacing his countryman Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo, who will retire at the end of the season, with the team hoping to build around Bottas over the coming years.

"I am really pleased to have chosen my new challenge with Alfa Romeo, an exciting and iconic manufacturer, and by the opportunity to help lead the team forward up the grid," he added.

"I'm as hungry as ever to race for results and when the time comes, for wins.

"But for now, my mission is clear: maximum attack for Mercedes, all the way to the final lap in Abu Dhabi."

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