– Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas has drawn a clear conclusion after his visit to the Coachella festival and ruled out a return to the event. The Finn explains that the event, heavily influenced by influencers, was not his thing.
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During the five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix and the race in Miami, Bottas spent part of his time in California. He visited the internationally renowned Coachella festival in Indio, which this year featured headliners such as Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber. According to his own statements, however, the event was simply too crowded for him.
Together with former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, Bottas was seen on site. When a reporter at the Miami Grand Prix enviously mentioned his alleged “Coachella experience,” the Finn replied briefly: “Don’t be jealous.” With a smile, he added: “It wasn’t my thing. Too many people, man. Too many people. I’m glad I was there, but I won’t be coming back.”
Cadillac fights in debut season
Since this season, Bottas has been driving for the newly founded Cadillac team, forming the driver duo there with Sergio Perez. The American team is in its debut season and is currently in tenth place in the constructors’ standings, just ahead of Aston Martin.
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Despite the rather difficult start to the season, Bottas already sees progress within the team. Before the start of the race weekend in Miami, he explains: “Yes, in the first three races I felt that every weekend went more smoothly. We had fewer and fewer problems. That’s why I expect a good step forward this weekend.”
Disappointment in sprint qualifying
However, the sprint qualifying at Miami International Autodrome initially brings disappointment: Bottas is eliminated already in the first segment (SQ1) and has to concede early defeat. For the Finn and the American Cadillac team, the result is a setback, especially at the home race. Bottas will start tomorrow’s sprint (start at 18:00 CET) from twentieth place, behind teammate Perez.
After the previously announced progress, it remains open for now whether Bottas and Cadillac can still make the hoped-for leap forward during the rest of the weekend.
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