Bottas Reacts To Hamilton's Move From Mercedes To Ferrari

Tuesday, 06 February 2024 at 10:00

Valtteri Bottas reacted to Lewis Hamilton's team change after yesterday's season launch of the Stake F1 team.

The Stake F1 team just revealed their car to the World yesterday during a highly anticipated season launch. Valtteri Bottas played an important role at the event as one of the two drivers.

The Finn also gave short interviews after the event concluded. When Sky Sports asked him about Lewis Hamilton's recent unexpected announcement, he said:

"I have to say I never actually thought it could happen. But for sure, in a certain way, a surprise, and also the timing, I think, probably shocked everybody, but that's F1."

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Hamilton's move literally shocked everyone. Even Mercedes's team principal, Toto Wolff, confessed he had not expected Hamilton to leave the team before 2024.

On the other hand, Mercedes signed only a 1+1 year deal with the seven-time World Champion, which suggests both sides did not want to stay very committed.

"Things happen; unfortunately, all good things eventually come to an end. But that means new doors open and I'm happy for Lewis."

Bottas was the 39-year-old's teammate as he spent five years driving for Mercedes. He knows Hamilton really well, and they kept a great relationship even after Finn went to Alfa Romeo (now Stake).

"He's obviously made the decision himself; I'm sure he's keen on a fresh start. So it's gonna be interesting. That will for sure have some kind of impact on the drivers' market in 2025, which could be quite interesting."

The 2024-2025 driver market was expected to get wild, but nobody would even dream about a scenario like this. Hamilton's move to Ferrari means there are no more seats left in Scuderia.

On the other hand, the seven-time World Champion will leave Mercedes with an empty seat once he departs the team at the end of 2024. It is already speculated drivers like Alex Albon or even Fernando Alonso would be an excellent fit for Silver Arrows.