Bottas 'conflicted' over F1 racing in countries with 'questionable' records

Valtteri Bottas has admitted he is sometimes 'conflicted' over the countries in which Formula 1 races and that he has "questioned" some records.

As the F1 calendar continues to grow, new races have appeared on the schedule in countries prepared to pay top dollar to host Grand Prix racing, but which has earned the series criticism from human rights groups owing to their domestic and foreign policies, including attitudes to LGBT communities.

This is nothing new for F1, with plenty of opposition in the past to races taking place, with Alfa Romeo driver Bottas indicating that he is prepared for the "backlash" of racing in countries with questionable records, with a key factor behind why the championship does.

"I love racing, it is a passion for me and I am paid to do it," Bottas told media including RacingNews365.

"I go where the races are because I want to have the chance to fight for points, and try to reach my goal, so it is as simple as that.

"Of course, if I could choose which races we go to, I would probably skip some, and change to race in Finland for example, but that's how the sport is.

"Sometimes, you've just got to roll with it, but it is not easy for sure.

"There is always going to be some backlash and criticism, but I think there's honestly many good things that can be done as well, but it is slightly controversial.

"I don't want to say any particular countries, but sometimes, you do question things, but then always in the end, if I question why were are racing there, in the end, it is always the same answer: money.

"That is what talks."