Bottas is ready to shave his mustache when he is called to Mercedes

Valtteri Bottas spoke in an interview with Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat about the tasks ahead of him this season, and what he is willing to do to return to Mercedes.

Valtteri Bottas: “I have serious goals for myself and I want to be able to look back on this season as my best year in Formula 1. Of course not necessarily in terms of results, but I want to achieve consistency and do the best I can in every race. ” First and foremost, for your partner.

It is very difficult to set concrete goals for ourselves, but it is clear that we must strive to perform better than last year, because it was very difficult… My contract expires at the end of 2024, that is a fact. We have not yet discussed the possibility of extending this with the team, but we will investigate this in the coming months.

Now all attention must be on the first races of the season, but if we can find time, such a conversation will take place. The year flies by quickly, and if you put everything off until later, it may already be too late. Just wait. But progress is already starting in the pilot market, that’s for sure, and all of this needs to be monitored as well.

My priority is to try to participate in the Audi factory program, and this company has always achieved success in all categories of motorsport, and they do not do their projects half-heartedly. This is my main goal now. We’ll see if it works or not, but it’s also a good source of motivation, so from the very beginning of the season I plan to fight for good results.”

When Valtteri was asked if he was considering returning to Mercedes, where the impending departure of Lewis Hamilton leaves a vacancy, the Finn replied: “Well, in this sport you shouldn’t rule anything out; everything is possible in Formula 1. However, I have nothing more to add.”

Bottas was then asked the following question: would he want to return to Mercedes if one of the mandatory conditions was the requirement to shave his moustache?

‘I won’t like such a demand! Valtteri laughed. – Of course, if we are talking about a return to the team, which will allow me to fight again for podiums and victories, then I suppose I agree to cut my hair and shave my mustache. However, I think Mercedes probably already knows me well and will not make such demands. Although for me personally the attractiveness of each option depends more on the terms of the contract.

But of course I still dream of winning the World Championship, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Anyone who thinks I only race for my own enjoyment is wrong. I have certain goals and in Formula 1 everything is possible. Therefore, you need to set high goals for yourself, but first solve the intervening problem and get on the podium. This should be the next step, so we will try to get back into the top three.”