Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Viktor Bottas (August 28, 1989 - Present): A Finnish racing driver from Nastola, Bottas is best known as Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes teammate and a key contributor to the team's unprecedented dominance. He competed in Formula One from 2013 to 2024, winning 10 Grands Prix across 12 seasons with Williams, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, and Sauber. Bottas began his Formula One career with Williams in 2013 after two years as the team's test driver, achieving his breakthrough in 2014 with his maiden podium at the Austrian Grand Prix and a fourth-place championship finish. Over four seasons with Williams, he secured nine podiums and helped the team finish third in the Constructors' Championship in 2014 and 2015.

Called up to Mercedes for 2017 to replace the retiring Nico Rosberg, Bottas claimed his maiden victory at the 2017 Russian Grand Prix and finished the season third with three wins. He finished runner-up to Hamilton in both 2019 and 2020, contributing significantly to Mercedes' five consecutive World Constructors' Championships from 2017 to 2021. His final Mercedes victory came at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix. Moving to Alfa Romeo (later rebranded Sauber) for 2022-2024, Bottas experienced a dramatic decline in competitiveness, enduring a pointless 2024 season.

He returned to Mercedes as a reserve driver for 2025. Bottas achieved 10 race wins, 20 pole positions, 19 fastest laps, and 67 podiums, holding the Formula One record for most career points without a World Drivers' Championship (1,797). Known for his professionalism, consistency, and being the perfect wingman, Bottas played a crucial role in Mercedes' historic success.