Frederic Vasseur believes the responsibility Valtteri Bottas will have at Alfa Romeo can help the Finn in his own development as a driver
“As a driver, I can understand very well that it is probably a better feeling to fight for pole position,” said the Frenchman. “But on the other hand, he will be central to our project. He will be a pillar in the development of the team.”
“It’s probably not quite the same at Mercedes,” Vasseur speculates, “because he’s always been a bit in the shadow of Lewis.” Alongside him, Bottas spent five years at Mercedes, celebrating five constructors’ titles with the team in that time, as well as two runner-up titles as a driver (2019/20).
Vasseur: Bottas now gets more responsibility
The move to Alfa Romeo follows Mercedes’ decision to sign George Russell as Hamilton’s new teammate for 2022. Bottas signed a multi-year contract with Alfa Romeo, giving him more stability after Mercedes only ever signed him for one season.
“He will have to bring his own experience and be a key factor in the development of the company and the team,” Vasseur looks ahead. “He will certainly be given more responsibility. But I think he is mature enough to take it on as a commitment and a task.”
The Alfa Romeo team boss is convinced it will ultimately benefit Bottas himself, even if he can no longer regularly fight at the front for race wins. “It will also help Valtteri’s development, for sure,” he says.
Can Bottas shine in the role of team leader?
In the role of team leader alongside Formula One rookie Guanyu Zhou, Alfa Romeo admittedly has high hopes for Bottas in 2022, simply because of the experience he brings from Mercedes, which Vasseur says will be an “asset”.
“Even if the philosophy of the car is different, the way you approach and manage the weekend, to bring a different point of view is always helpful,” the Frenchman knows. “Also, I think he will fit perfectly with the mentality of the team. I am convinced that he will push us. “
