Bottas rues 'tough ride' during 2023 F1 campaign

Valtteri Bottas has stated that his Formula 1 campaign this year was a “tough ride”, with point finishes a rarity for the Fin

Bottas endured his second season with Alfa Romeo after departing Mercedes at the end of the 2021 campaign.

The 34-year-old scored four top 10 finishes during the year en route to 15th in the Drivers' Championship, his lowest position since his rookie year with Williams in 2013.

At the season-opening race in Bahrain Bottas scored an eighth place, a result he matched at the Qatar Grand Prix toward the end of the campaign.

“All I can remember [about Qatar], it was hot,” Bottas told media including RacingNews365.com. “I don't even know where I finished!

“I think, sadly, I would say that the very first race of the season [was my highlight], we had a solid weekend, scored immediately, everything was looking quite good.

“But [since] then it's been a tough ride. There's been a few occasions we have scored, but not enough times. So I'm definitely waiting for more highlights next year with a new car.”

2024 improvements

The team known as Alfa Romeo for the last several seasons is set to have a name change next year as the Italian squad will part ways with Sauber.

The departure comes following Audi's investment in the Sauber Group which will come into full effect in 2026.

Prior to the takeover however, Bottas stated that the team has the potential to make gains for next year's campaign.

“In this sport, with the margins we have, it's everything,” he said.

“There's nothing fundamental but the good thing is we do have a completely new car with some new ideas with new people in the team.

“That's exactly what we need now. So we need to make big steps over the winter. That's the key.”