Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to Valtteri Bottas following confirmation that the Finn will leave Mercedes at the end of the season, describing him as "the best teammate I've had the pleasure of working with". Bottas has raced alongside Hamilton at Mercedes since 2017, winning nine Grands Prix and contributing to four straight Constructors' world titles, but he will depart for Alfa Romeo in 2022 on a multi-year deal . "I'm immensely proud to have worked alongside [Valtteri] for the last five years," wrote Hamilton on Instagram, as he reacted to Monday's announcement. "Together, we've been part of a team that has delivered four Constructors' Championships, and we've motivated one another to keep pushing through the ups and the downs. "He has been the best teammate I've had the pleasure of working with." Hamilton added that Bottas' qualities as a person have made a significant impact on him during their time as teammates. "Your speed and resilience has been impressive but where you truly stand out to me is the human being you are," he continued. "You are greater than you know and I know there's a bright future ahead for you." Hamilton summed up: "Thank you Valtteri for all of your support and amazing contributions to this team. You will be missed. "I wish you all the best for your future endeavours. Let’s finish off strong and get that 8th [world title] for the team." Confirmation of Bottas' exit from Mercedes paves the way for the team to announce George Russell as Hamilton's new teammate.
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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)
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