Valtteri Bottas reacts to speculation that he is to be dropped by Cadillac.
In Canada it was Esteban Ocon and his boss Ayao Komatsu who had to dismiss internet speculation over the Frenchman’s future, this week it is Valtteri Bottas who finds himself in the ‘about to be fired’ line.
While the Finn hasn’t exactly set the track alight, neither has his teammate, Sergio Perez, as the fledgling American team continues to find its feet.
Of course, due to his connections, and the partners he brings to the team, the Mexican’s future is a lot more secure, consequently it is Bottas who has been in the firing line.
Strangely, the speculation links Colton Herta with the Finn’s seat, even though the American – probably a shoo-in for 2027 – doesn’t have the requisite points for a superlicence.
Asked about the rumours, Bottas told reporters: “It’s not the first time I’ve faced those kind of rumours. It’s a bit of a shame that somebody just makes up complete BS, but that’s normal in this sport.
“I know my situation,” he continued, “the team knows my situation, and they support me 100%, so that’s why from my side it was okay in the end.”
Asked where he believes the speculation originates, he replied: “Headlines… Clicks.. That’s my theory.
“I was actually having my morning coffee, and when I saw the first rumour I kind of laughed about it,” he added. “That’s the kind of negative side of this sport sometimes. Sometimes people just want to make rumours to write stuff and make up stuff. I’ve learned it’s part of it, and it doesn’t really affect me anymore.”
Nonetheless, the Finn was surprisingly off the pace in Canada.
“We still have later this afternoon another meeting,” he revealed, “but I caught up with the team last week about it and we can see issues, both on the power unit side and the car build side.
“That’s as much as I can give you, but we can see reasons, which is good to see. We need to keep working on the quality of how we build the car, how we fit all the parts, and so on.”
As for this weekend…
“This weekend always is an opportunity for everyone,” he said. “As an example, remember some years ago, Jules Bianchi got his points for Marussia here. Things like that can happen.
“For sure, you’ve got to try and qualify well, but then even in the race you never know what happens. We take it as a nice opportunity ahead.”