Valtteri Bottas came into the 2019 season intent on righting the wrongs of a troubled second term at Mercedes, in which he finished fifth in the standings without a win, while team-mate Lewis Hamilton claimed another world title. But anyone who doubted the Finn was soon in for a surprise, with a new and improved ‘Bottas 2.0’ striking back in style at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. In the latest instalment of our Greatest Race series, he shares his vivid memories of that special weekend…
Bottas, a roller coaster at Mercedes
Shortly into his fourth season at Williams, Bottas’ phone rang with an unexpected opportunity. Nico Rosberg had just shocked the F1 world by retiring from the sport, with newly crowned champion and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff needing someone to take his place.