Valtteri Bottas reveals the ‘best race’ of his Formula 1 career that became s… read more
Valtteri Bottas, once hailed as a rising star in Formula 1 following his early successes with Williams, has revealed the race he considers the best of his career—a performance so exceptional, he admits it’s been “hard to replicate” ever since. Bottas, known for his calm demeanor and technical precision, has had a career punctuated by high points, but one race in particular stands out above the rest: his maiden Formula 1 victory at the 2017 Russian Grand Prix.
In a recent interview reflecting on his career highs and lows, Bottas opened up about that remarkable day in Sochi. Driving for Mercedes in only his fourth race with the team, Bottas stunned the paddock and fans alike by holding off the two Ferraris—Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen—to secure a sensational win. It was a moment that defined his arrival at a top team and validated Mercedes’ decision to promote him after Nico Rosberg’s sudden retirement.
That victory wasn’t just about crossing the finish line first—it was the culmination of a flawless weekend. Bottas had qualified third behind the Ferrari front row but made a lightning-quick start, overtaking both cars before the first corner with surgical precision. He then managed to control the race from the front, showing resilience and nerve, especially in the closing laps when Vettel launched a serious charge on fresher tyres. Bottas remained composed under pressure and crossed the line just 0.617 seconds ahead, marking a career breakthrough.
Looking back, Bottas described the 2017 Russian Grand Prix as the “perfect race” in terms of execution, confidence, and strategy. He explained that everything came together seamlessly: the start, the pace, the tyre management, and the ability to absorb pressure. That kind of synergy is rare in F1, where a perfect storm of conditions is required to produce such a performance. Bottas admitted that even with all his later victories—10 in total during his time at Mercedes—that first win in Russia had something uniquely magical about it.
Despite several pole positions and dominant wins in subsequent seasons, Bottas conceded that matching the sheer purity of that Sochi drive has proven difficult. At times, he felt he was close—such as in Austria 2020 or Turkey 2021—but something about that first triumph remains unparalleled in his memory. He credited the emotional impact of securing his first win, the validation of his capabilities, and the way he conquered two formidable Ferrari cars as the reasons it continues to stand out.
After his stint at Mercedes, where he often played the role of a reliable wingman to Lewis Hamilton, Bottas transitioned to Alfa Romeo (now Sauber) to lead a team in a new chapter of his career. While he no longer battles at the front of the grid regularly, Bottas maintains a philosophical view of his journey. He understands the rarity of those perfect races and now focuses more on consistency, leadership, and contributing to the long-term development of his team.
The 2017 Russian Grand Prix remains a symbol of what Bottas was capable of when everything aligned. It’s not just his best race in terms of result, but a performance that encapsulated his potential at its peak. As he continues his career, Bottas still chases that feeling of absolute harmony between driver and machine, even as he accepts that such moments may come only a few times in a racing lifetime.
Ultimately, Bottas’ reflection on his best race is both a celebration of a personal milestone and an acknowledgment of the elusive nature of perfection in Formula 1. For a driver who has often flown under the radar, that victory in Sochi stands as a lasting testament to his talent, tenacity, and ability to rise to the occasion.
