in this content, weinterviewed Valtteri Bottasabout his return to Korea, where he is now and where he is headed. Behind the jovial smile, his seriousness in front of the wheel reveals a firm philosophy and professionalism.

bottas’ take on Korea and the scene

first visit to Korea in a long time

“I wanted to get a real feel for Seoul after not having seen it since the last Korea Grand Prix,” Bottas said, adding that the warm welcome he received at the airport made him realize how excited the fans were for the Showrun.

the appeal of seeing the showrun live

he cites the “rawness of the sound and speed that you don’t normally get to experience” as the key to watching the race live, explaining that the sum total of the sensations created by the sounds, vibrations, acceleration, and braking really captures the essence of the race.

returning to the team and what he learned

a year as a Mercedes reserve driver

being back with Mercedes, he recalls that “the memories of the past five years made it a natural fit”. although his role was different this year, he emphasized that he learned up close “how teamwork works behind the scenes.

looking ahead to second place at Constructor

commenting on recent form, he said that “the team is in a competitive enough position” and is confident of cementing second place after winning the previous round. He added that they are now focusing on “realistic team goals” rather than the top spot, which is already set in stone.

helping the next generation

mentoring rookie Kimi Antonelli

“I know what it’s like when you first come to F1, so I try to be a supporter who is there for questions and advice, rather than pushing too hard,” Bottas said, adding that he gives practical tips based on his own experience, especially on the track, where he is new to the sport.

where you like to race and the emotions of racing

the circuit he’d most like to run

without hesitation, he picked “my home country of Finland, which is really serious about motorsports.” He mentioned the KymiRing, which has yet to host a Grand Prix, and hopes to race there one day.

f1 on film, and the best scenes

when asked about his favorite moment, he quipped, “When Brad Pitt smashed my front wing,” and also spoke about Lewis Hamilton’s involvement in the production and his respect for real-life driving.

competition and respect, between teams and individuals

relationships with colleagues

while acknowledging that “everyone is here to win,” he said, “it’s natural to want to pull together for the team, but as a driver, you want to go beyond your teammates.” he also emphasized his belief that mutual commitment and respect comes back to you.

bottas’ routine and attitude

routines, jinxes, and preparation

a believer in hard work instead of superstition, he revealed that his only routine is “a shot of espresso before the race.” with humor, he added: “All I have is a mustache and a butt haircut,” and he doesn’t forget to cut himself some slack.

how you want to be remembered and what’s next

how he wants to be remembered

“A fair driver, dedicated on the track, someone who took life lightly and with humor, but was serious about his work,” he says, before concluding, “Above all, I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up.”

top speed, and a new record

when asked if he’s looking forward to breaking the record next year as the fastest man in the world, he responds with a short, emphatic “absolutely”. with that one line of confidence, he looks forward to the next chapter of his career.