Valtteri Bottas revealed that Cadillac quickly reassured him when rumors of his replacement circulated earlier this season.
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Valtteri Bottas never doubted his future at Cadillac. While rumors announced his replacement by Colton Herta earlier this season, the Finnish driver assures that his team immediately came to confirm to him that they were totally unfounded.
According to Bottas, Cadillac management quickly wanted to put an end to the speculations that had gained momentum on social media.
“It’s part of the sport. Sometimes, some headlines are simply not true.”
“The team came to see me immediately”
The rumors had been fueled by Bottas’s results being behind those of his teammate Sergio Pérez.
It later emerged, however, that the Finn was dealing with several technical problems, related to both the power unit and the chassis of his car.
As soon as the first speculations appeared, Cadillac was keen to reassure him.
“As soon as we saw these rumors, the team came to see me immediately to tell me they were completely false. I also know my situation perfectly, so I was not worried.”
Bottas points out that this type of scenario is common in Formula 1.
“It’s not the first time in my career. All drivers go through this kind of period one day or another.”
No suspense for the transfer market
Thanks to the assurances received from Cadillac, Bottas states that he has no concerns about his future and that he will not be a player in the next driver market.
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“There will be no transfer market for me.”
This statement confirms that the Finn considers himself fully committed to the American team’s project.
Bottas also praises Colton Herta
While his name has been mentioned as a replacement, Colton Herta remains a valued member of Cadillac.
The American driver is currently continuing his apprenticeship in Formula 2, while also assisting in the simulator.
“He helps us in the simulator. He also continues to learn in Formula 2 and he is a real asset to the team.”
Bottas believes that Herta’s atypical career is a rich asset for Cadillac.
“He brings a different vision thanks to his experience in another discipline. He has a different mindset, and that can be very useful to us.”
After going through a turbulent period in the media, Bottas therefore assures that his future at Cadillac is not currently in question. The Finn can now fully concentrate on the rest of the season, convinced of his team’s support.
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