“I have two photos that I always carry with me” – Valtteri Bottas reveals the two “enemies” who keep him motivated

“I have two photos that I always carry with me” – Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas is inspired by the process of “enemy building”, and reveals the two photos on his desktop.

Valtteri Bottas has faced a lot of unwarranted criticism since moving to Mercedes to partner Lewis Hamilton. The Finn is yet to repeat the exploits of his compatriots Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen and win the world title.

It’s race week 🇦🇿🏁#VB77 #F1 #Baku #AzerbaijanGP @MercedesAMGF1 @F1 pic.twitter.com/aUnykQygqT

— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) May 31, 2021

Going by this season, he is unlikely to win it this time as well, with Hamilton and Max Verstappen far ahead. Speaking to Motorsport.com, he revealed the two people who served as ‘negative motivation’ for them, and whether they are the two drivers in question indeed.

“I have one, actually inspired by the chats with Toto last year. I have one thing on my computer, a desktop picture, that is a motivation to me every time I open the computer.

“It’s not really a positive thing. It’s a negative thing that always reminds me to show them what I can do. I don’t carry a picture of Lewis or Max in my pocket.

“You could place a photo of that person in the calendar or on the desk, and every time there is a little lack of motivation, you look at these people.

“Everyone is free to do it. Of the people I work with, I keep seeing such photos pop out. It’s good. It’s called enemy building, and it’s a powerful psychological weapon.

“As for myself, I have two photos that I always carry with me and that are on my desktop. Neither of the two people has anything to do with Formula 1 or with racing altogether. It’s about business.”

Also read “It’s a circumstance that cost Valtteri dearly” – Explaining the Valtteri Bottas pit stop at Monaco GP

About the author

Subham Jindal

A Red - be it Manchester United or Ferrari. Hails from the hills of Kalimpong, Darjeeling. Aspiring to become a respected Sports Management professional.

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