Ep 16: Formula One Superstar Valtteri Bottas Gets Into the Gravel Racing Business
In this extra special episode of the show, we are very excited to sit down with Formula One driver, Valtteri Bottas! As an enthusiastic cyclist, and budding gravel racer, Valtteri has a really interesting perspective on the sport and why it appeals to him in parallel and in contrast with his main occupation. Valtteri's partner is Tiffany Cromwell from the Canyon-SRAM team, and Valtteri talks about how much this relationship has influenced his passion for cycling. We talk about how he sees his cycling benefitting his driving, and also the main differences between the two sports. Along the way, our guest shares some very interesting insights into what goes into a Formula One race, and some of the biggest misconceptions about the sport too. With the massive cultural impact of the Drive to Survive series, Formula One has seen a steep increase in the number of fans of the sport and Valtteri talks a little about what it has been like to be filmed for the show. Towards the end of our chat, our guest also opens up about his hopes for his retirement and some of the other passions and ventures he has, including a gin distillery and a coffee roastery! Join us to hear it all!
Key Points From This Episode:
The ride that Valtteri did today and how this fits into his current schedule.
Valtteri reflects on some of the parallels between Formula One and cycling.
An explanation of the endurance necessary for Formula One racing.
A rundown of what goes into a lap of Formula One; Valtteri shares the multitasking involved.
Getting to the grips with the intricacies of braking in a race car.
Charting the rise of Valtteri's involvement with cycling.
What initially attracted Valtteri to riding on gravel!
Valtteri talks a little about Lahti and the importance of the area to him.
The gravel event that Valtteri is hosting in 2023 in Lahti.
Looking back at the high and low points of Valtteri's 2019 Grand Prix season.
Joining Alfa Romeo and the positive feelings Valtteri has about building with the team.
Valtteri picks his favorite five tracks to race on!
What it has been like being filmed for the Drive to Survive series.
Some thoughts on what Valtteri might do after he retires from F1.
The current business ventures and projects that Valtteri has aside from sport.
Upcoming races that Valtteri is particularly excited about!
Tweetables:
“For me, the most important thing is the mental aspect. I find cycling is something different to do. Which normally, when I'm on the bike, I don't think about F1 stuff.” — @ValtteriBottas [0:08:05]
“My normal training comes from cardio training, weight training, and speed and skill training, like training reactions and stuff like that.” — @ValtteriBottas [0:11:20]
“Learning more about the sport made me even more interested in it. And obviously, I started to cycle a bit more than before. And then I could really feel the gains and see them from the data. And it's quite addictive.” — @ValtteriBottas [0:17:55]
“It is like a project. And I want to get the team closer to the front. And now this time, I feel like I have quite a bit of input and say in the team. So I definitely have a different kind of role than I ever had before.” — @ValtteriBottas [0:26:55]