“I definitely have many, many years ahead of me” – Bottas is planning a long career in Formula 1 before the contract is extended

The 2023 season is currently Valtteri Bottas’ 11th season in Formula 1 and although he has spent a decade in the sport, the Finn says he intends to stay on the grid for “many years” as he has grown by comparison still “young” feel some”.

The 33-year-old has contested 205 grands prix so far in his career, making him the fourth-most experienced driver in the current grid, behind only Fernando Alonso, his former Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez.

READ MORE: Bottas believes Hamilton is ‘still the fastest driver on the grid’ while calling his former teammate ‘annoyingly talented’

And in conversation with Tom Clarkson Beyond the grid On the podcast, Bottas admitted that while there are many factors that could influence his decision, he still hopes to be part of the starting line-up for years to come.

“It’s hard to say,” Bottas said when asked if he’ll be racing in his 40s. “Of course it depends [on] how the sport is going. How is the situation in sports? What team are you on? How’s the atmosphere?

“At some point, all of travel comes to mind. Prefer to race? [on] A different side of the world, or would you rather not pack your bags and stay home? I think that will come at some point.

“It’s quite a hassle. I’m still very happy to be doing it for a long time. But I’m telling you, when I’m 39, I’ll be 40. It’s hard to commit to right now, but I certainly have many, many years ahead of me.”

Bottas joined Alfa Romeo from Mercedes at the start of the 2022 season, but his current contract expires at the end of the 2024 season. With Audi is about to take over After leaving the team in 2026, the Finn was asked if he would be interested in still being there when the German manufacturer enters the race.

READ MORE: Hamilton calls Bottas a ‘great teammate’ as he looks back on 10 years at Mercedes

“I’m still young compared to others,” said Bottas, a ten-time race winner. “I’m 33. I still don’t think my Formula 1 career will end anytime soon and I don’t feel any achievement losses from my driving or the way I work with the team.

“It is interesting for the entire racing team and company what is happening. Of course, being part of an automaker is something you almost need if you want to win in Formula 1.”