Bottas: It's important not to take yourself too seriously.

      Valtteri Bottas, in an interview with the Italian edition of Automoto, spoke about his hopes for the future, but mostly the conversation was about the present – about his relationship with Toto Wolff, Kimi Antonelli's new mentor role for the Finn, and he also shared his opinion about the situation in which Lewis Hamilton found himself at Ferrari.

      "If you think back to how I was a few years ago, I think I've become a much more open person now," Valtteri admitted. – I think over time I've learned to feel comfortable in different situations, and that shows what kind of person I am. For me, a very important point is not to take myself too seriously. It helps you enjoy life more and makes things easier.

      Returning to Mercedes after three years was quite natural. I know many of them from past experience, so it was easy for me to get started. Although being a backup pilot, of course, is not easy. It's a little weird to watch the races from the sidelines instead of participating in them yourself.

      Although I've had time to prepare myself psychologically, it's still a completely different role, and of course I'd like to get back behind the wheel. On the other hand, it's great to be part of a great team, represent such an important brand, and still do useful things.

      My situation is very different from that of young drivers when they become reserve drivers. When a beginner finds himself in this role, the most important thing for him is to learn. And I already have experience working with three different teams, I've been in a variety of situations, learned how to solve a variety of problems, including those related to car settings and handling.

      I hope I can help the team. I think it's important for Mercedes that they have another driver who watches everything from the sidelines, analyzes telemetry and handles various other tasks.

      I have a very professional relationship with Toto Wolff. Besides, we've been friends for a very long time. He is always focused on success and hates to lose, and this is a good quality. I think he's a great team leader."

      Of course, Bottas was asked about his role as mentor to 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, who, by the way, speaks very warmly about their collaboration.

      "He has a lot to learn, because he only recently made his debut in Formula 1 and has only run a few races," Valtteri replied. – First of all, you need to learn the tracks where he has never performed before. I can share my experience in setting up the car, tell him something. I'm trying to help him, but the way he started the season made a very good impression on me.

      When you make your debut in a top team, everyone's attention is focused on you. He is constantly being compared to his teammate, and George Russell is a very stable and fast rider. Of course, Kimi makes some mistakes, but it seems to me that this happens to him much less often than with most newcomers. Moreover, it is clear that his speed is gradually increasing, he accurately performs the tasks that the team sets for him, and earns points. So he has a lot of potential."

      Bottas was also asked about his former teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who now drives for Ferrari.

      "It's clear that a lot has changed for him after such a long time at Mercedes. The Italian culture characteristic of Ferrari is different from the Anglo-German one,– the Finn emphasized. – Lewis is still adapting, and it will take time, but I think he will succeed.

      He has already shown that he still has speed, primarily in China.… And I don't think it will be that difficult for him to rebuild, except that there may always be certain nuances related to the handling of the car.

      It is more difficult to understand how to configure it, because there may be different approaches. But once you learn the basics, further work will no longer require any herculean efforts. Of course, there are some special features, first of all it refers to the gearbox, to the process of engine braking. But you can adapt to everything and find a solution that allows you to achieve a more comfortable driving experience.

      But the hardest part, in my opinion, is getting along with new people. In the end, everything in our sport depends on the human factor, on the effectiveness of the work of the whole team. You have to learn to understand the people you're dealing with in the team. You need to figure out how to act in order to give your best, and how to achieve the same from others. Besides, there are about a thousand new names to remember."

      And here's how Bottas reacted to a question about his own future prospects: "I hope I'll be back in action. I don't feel like I've already finished my career in Formula 1. My goal is to find an opportunity to continue it. The first step has been taken, because I'm working with a great team.

      I am closely following everything that is happening in the paddock, as the teams prepare for 2026. Formula 1 remains my priority, besides, due to my contract, I cannot compete in other races during this season. I feel like I'm in great shape, both physically and mentally. But if I can't get back into F1, I'll race somewhere else."