Valtteri Bottas romped to a win in Australia today, leading the race right from Turn 1 till the end(except when he pitted in between). The Finn got off to the perfect start post lights out, getting past Lewis Hamilton and controlling the race beautifully from there on.
Bottas has endured a lot of criticism in the past, largely because of the absence of a killer instinct, something that is of paramount importance in an F1 driver’s life.
He has been unlucky on many fronts too, especially last season, where he lost out on race wins due to no fault of his own.
He had been tipped to be Lewis’ wingman for the 2018 season, a role that he ultimately had to accept, considering the lack of results on his part.
However, he conceded that he would come back strong in 2019, work on his mental strength and try and win the 2019 title, fair and square.
With Esteban Ocon breathing down his neck in the Mercedes garage, Bottas knows he has to bring his A-game forward in order to keep his seat for the 2020 season.
And he did bring in his A-game for the first grand prix of the season, winning it handsomely.
Post the win, Valtteri Bottas was in no mood to let his critics get away with all that they had spoken about him last season and during the off-season.
Bottas let out a, ‘To whom it may concern, f*** you’.
Valtteri Bottas Post race Radio: “To whom it may concern, fu*k you.”#Valtteri #F1 #AusGP #AustralianGP pic.twitter.com/MDJMbY1pjW
— Eau rouge (@Insidef1) March 17, 2019
Now, it isn’t really clear as to who that message was addressed to, or if Bottas was trying to call someone out specifically. Your best guess could be Arrivabene(who called him a butler last season) and of course all the critics and pundits who ruled out his challenge for the 2019 season.
Haha, that part didn't make it to air but good on him. whoever it was definatly made the win sound like a gift or payback #F1 #AusGP
— Toons (@tooonarmy) March 17, 2019
Hahaha.. Agreed @ValtteriBottas !
Toto trying to be diplomatic as usual. Lol— Prateek (@Pratts4u) March 17, 2019
"James, this is Valtteri."
— Vincent Magnarella (@vincemags) March 17, 2019
Who is that aimed at?
— Josh Bunting (@joshbunting) March 17, 2019
Is it aimed at ocon?
— eugene mwika (@mwikaeugene) March 17, 2019
Lewis and/or Ocon I guess hahaha
— Expert Reviews (@smhasan7) March 17, 2019
Team orders at GER/RUS, fans mocking him, personal sponsor dropping him during winter…
— F1 in the 2000s ⚠ (@CrystalRacing) March 17, 2019
Who do you think this was aimed at?