Valtteri Bottas says Alfa Romeo is “serious” about its long-term Formula 1 project and that he and the team have “high expectations.”
Bottas has signed a multi-year deal to race for Alfa Romeo from 2022 after spending the last five years competing for world champions Mercedes.
Alfa Romeo, which is operated by Sauber Motorsport, has had a lean spell in Formula 1 in recent years and holds ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
It has not finished higher than eighth in the standings since 2013.
But Bottas has stressed that he was buoyed by his conversations with senior figures at the outfit.
“I can’t tell you everything [that was discussed] but they’re serious about the future,” Bottas said.
“Alfa Romeo, as a brand itself, has committed for quite a few years. I don’t want to share to much but we have high expectations, very high goals and for me that’s really motivating.”
Bottas outlined that he is wary he will have to reset his ambitions for 2022 but is heading into the year aware that the project is long-term.
“For sure, realistically, fighting for victories next year it’s going to be unlikely,” he said.
“But you never know, there’s a regulation change, there’s a big bunch of motivated people there. I’ll give it everything I can to come close to the front or to the front as soon as possible.
“But it is a different kind of mentality, a different approach, for sure, it’s a bit of a project and I’m keen to give my input.”
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