Video: Mercedes bid farewell to Bottas with dramatic send-off

Valtteri Bottas has left the Mercedes factory for the final time after five years of driving for the Brackley-based team.

The Finn, accompanied by partner Tiffany Cromwell, sat on the back of a classic Mercedes convertible to be applauded down the driveway of the factory as his colleagues cheered and applauded him as he departed.

Bottas, together with Lewis Hamilton and team boss Toto Wolff, had all visited the factory to thank the staff back at base for their efforts throughout 2021, and Bottas took to social media afterwards to say goodbye.

"It's my last day at the Mercedes factories today and it's been emotional," he said.

"It's been nice to see all the people and I really felt proud and privileged to be able to be with the team for the five years and in all of those years getting the Constructors' title.

"Also some FIA Drivers' Championship trophies for me, not the winning one, but some other trophies which is something I guess!

"I just wanted to say again, thank you for all the support in these five years when I've been with Mercedes, the support means a lot and I think this is going to be one of the final posts for the team.

"Thank you very much and also to everyone in the team that I said goodbye to today. It was really a special day."

Check out the video below!