F1 star Valtteri Bottas said he enjoys cycling because it is a contrast to motorsport. Speaking to Marc Priestley at the Life lessons in the pit lane In his podcast he explained: “That’s why I like cycling, because it’s like the opposite. You as a human are the engine, you are the machine.”
While it can be said that there is an arms race in terms of equipment in the professional ranks, Bottas noted that it is not nearly the same as in Formula 1. The Finnish racer drives for stake F1 team Kick Sauber. He previously drove for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 and Williams from 2013 to 2016, scoring 10 race wins and 67 podiums. Bottas played a key role in Mercedes’ five victories in the Constructors’ Championship and finished runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship in 2019 and 2020.
“I once interviewed a man who used to work for Jaguar’s Formula One team and then went on to run British Cycling,” he said. “He had an interesting perspective on the differences between the two sports at elite level. For example, he said, ‘Formula One is 90 per cent about the car and 10 per cent about the driver. Cycling is almost the other way round.’ He didn’t mean that the 10 per cent that the driver brings is less important, because without the whole package you don’t win.”
In cycling, Bottas said, “the fuel comes from your legs. You as a human being are the engine, you are the machine.” He said he loves cycling racing and challenging himself because at the start line everyone has more or less an equal chance of winning or doing well.
Bottas is also a co-founder and partner of FNLD GRVL, a gravel cycling event in Lahti, Finland, which he organizes with his partner, professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell. He is also known for riding a lap before F1 races. Given the high heart rate drivers experience during races, they often use cycling or other cardio exercises to stay in top shape.
“For me, it’s really refreshing,” said Bottas. “In Formula 1, you need the car and the team to be successful. It’s not a fair sport, that’s for sure. Cycling feels fairer sometimes and that’s why I enjoy it. It’s almost like a leveling factor.”
