Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has explained why he believes Valtteri Bottas is the best team-mate he has ever had.
Following the announcement that Bottas will depart Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season and join Alfa Romeo, Hamilton stated on social media that the Finn “has been the best team-mate I’ve had the pleasure of working with”.
Bottas was Hamilton’s fifth partner in F1, following stints alongside Fernando Alonso, Heikki Kovalainen, Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Hamilton outlined the thoughts behind his remarks, saying he was able to openly communicate with a team-mate the first time when paired with Bottas.
“When I was just a kid I met Alonso. I was enthusiastic and talented but I didn’t know how to handle everything,” Hamilton said.
“Then I found myself in different positions with Kovalainen, with Jenson and with Nico. I learned different things from each of them.
“Each one was a challenge. You can never ignore your team-mate because you will learn from him or vice versa. You can make mistakes. I wouldn’t change anything about my journey alongside them, for better or for worse.
“I recently commented about my current team-mate and said he was the best team-mate, but you have to see what that definition means.
“We are in a sport where we try to win two different championships – we both try to win the Drivers’ title, but our job is to win the Constructors’ title too, so we have to work together. For the first time, I had a team-mate with whom I really communicated.
“You know, ‘I felt this…’, ‘I had this feeling’. Without hiding anything from each other, trying to improve each other, helping each other to be our best version.
“It had never happened with other drivers before. It’s something unique. And as a human being it’s fantastic. Once we get off the track we talk like gentlemen. No tricks.”
Next year, George Russell will replace Bottas at the Brackley-based team and partner Hamilton.
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