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Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Bottas is a Finnish racing driver who has competed in Formula One since 2013.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Valtteri Bottas (born 28 August 1989) is a Finnish racing driver who has competed in Formula One since 2013. He has won 10 Grands Prix, taken 20 pole positions, and finished runner-up in the drivers' championship in 2019 and 2020. As of 2026, he is listed as a Cadillac Formula One driver.

Early life and junior career

Valtteri Bottas was born in Nastola, Finland, on 28 August 1989. He built his career through junior single-seater categories and reached Formula One after serving as Williams' test driver.

Formula One career

Bottas debuted in Formula One with Williams in 2013 and later joined Mercedes for the 2017 season. He then raced for Alfa Romeo and Sauber, before being listed with Cadillac for 2026.

Best seasons and results

His strongest championship results came with Mercedes, where he finished second overall in 2019 and 2020. He has won 10 races, taken 20 pole positions, and scored 67 podiums in Formula One.

Teams and role

Bottas has driven for several Formula One teams across his career, including Williams, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Sauber, and Cadillac. He is widely associated with the car number 77.

Key facts

  • Bottas made his Formula One debut with Williams in 2013.
  • He moved to Mercedes in 2017 and finished second in the championship in 2019 and 2020.
  • He has 10 Grand Prix victories, 20 pole positions, and 67 podium finishes.
  • He raced for Alfa Romeo and Sauber before being listed as a Cadillac driver for 2026.
  • His permanent Formula One race number is 77.
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Canadian context

Bottas is relevant to Canadian readers through Formula One coverage in Canada, including the Canadian Grand Prix and the broader international F1 fan base in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Valtteri Bottas?
He is a Finnish Formula One racing driver who has competed in the series since 2013.
How many Formula One races has Bottas won?
He has won 10 Grands Prix.
What is Valtteri Bottas' best championship result?
He finished second in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2019 and 2020.
Which teams has Bottas driven for?
He has raced for Williams, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Sauber, and Cadillac.
What is Bottas' Formula One car number?
His permanent race number is 77.

References

  1. Formula 1 — https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/valtteri-bottas
    Supports: Date of birth, birthplace, and official driver profile
  2. Formula One History — https://www.formulaonehistory.com/drivers/valtteri-bottas/
    Supports: Career timeline, teams, wins, podiums, poles, and championship results
  3. F1-Fansite — https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-drivers/valtteri-bottas-information-statistics/
    Supports: Career statistics, team history, and 2021 Mercedes/Alfa Romeo transition
  4. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valtteri_Bottas
    Supports: Nationality, career summary, wins, podiums, and championship runner-up finishes