Valtteri Bottas reveals mental learning from five years with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Bottas, Hamilton, Mercedes, Mexico — Photo: © LAT Images

Valtteri Bottas

Bottas reveals mental learning from five years with Hamilton at Mercedes

Finn now joins Alfa Romeo from 2022

Ian Parkes

Sunday 26 December 2021 11:00

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Valtteri Bottas has revealed to learning how battling against Lewis Hamilton during his five years with Mercedes taught him F1 is a "more mental" game.

Bottas joined the team as the replacement for Nico Rosberg hoping to emulate the German and become an F1 champion, only to find himself outgunned by Hamilton.

The Briton won titles from 2017 through to 2020, and narrowly missed out on making it five in a row following a turbulent fight this year with Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

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As for Bottas, he now heads off to Alfa Romeo with numerous lessons learned from his time as team-mate to Hamilton.

"I've definitely learned a lot about myself," said Bottas in an interview. "I've learned how this sport is so much more mental.

"If you really compare if it's a physical or mental sport, I feel like it's so much about the head.

"Definitely, I've learned just to accept mistakes and learn from the mistakes. That learning part and being able to learn to be honest to myself, that's one big thing."

Bottas hails Hamilton 'talent and consistency'

While Bottas may not have secured the championship he desired, he at least helped Mercedes win five consecutive constructors' titles in scoring 10 grands prix victories and 47 additional podiums across his 101 races with the team.

Hailing Hamilton as "a great driver", in going up against the British driver, Bottas had to adapt his mental learning on many levels.

"There was always a risk for me to try too hard," added Bottas. "Not allowing myself enough time to get to the point where I wanted to be, so just allowing myself to accept that it's quite tricky to go up against Lewis and I can't always beat him.

"That's just a fact because of his consistency, his talent and the work he puts in. I also know I can do it, just not maybe beating myself up too much when that doesn't happen. That's been quite a big thing.

"I just learned what works for me, in terms of the mindset going to the races, and what to do between them."