VALTTERI BOTTAS
Walking into the 2019 F1 paddock, Valtteri Bottas appears a changed man. He looks invincible. For the first time in his career, the 29-year old has led the F1 world championship. A dominant win over team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the Australian GP gave Bottas an air of superiority. The handshake is now a little firmer. The steel in his eyes more resolute.
After failing to notch up a victory last year he became a target for some vocal criticism. The best way to swat his naysayers away was to start the new season on a high. He did exactly that in Melbourne, beating Hamilton by over 20 seconds and securing fastest lap on the way. On his cool-down lap, over team radio, Bottas exclaimed: “To whom it may concern, f*** you!” The spontaneous, out-of-character remark was indicative of the harder, more ruthless Bottas of 2019.
As he will shortly explain, his mindset altered over the winter. He has prioritised himself. Make no mistake, the bearded Bottas is a transformation. He is typically Scandinavian in the way
