P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton raced as team-mates at the Mercedes Formula 1 team between 2017 and 2021
Valtteri Bottas decided to quit Formula 1 in 2018 after not winning a race as Lewis Hamilton dominated the championship. Despite Mercedes stating they do not have number one or two drivers, Bottas felt like a ‘wingman’ to Hamilton. The lack of victories in 2018 led Bottas to experience feelings of ‘depression’ and ‘self-loathing’. Bottas considered retiring during the winter break before the 2019 season due to negative emotions and burnout. A walk in the Finnish forest helped him realize he needed to focus on ‘What’s next?’ and return as the best driver on the grid. Bottas entered the 2019 season with a renewed mindset and determination.
