Bottas To Fans: Watch F1 Live, Not Just Netflix
Valtteri Bottas urged F1 fans to watch races live instead of just Netflix's *Drive to Survive*. The Finn, now paired with Sergio Perez, also admitted he was "quite happy to leave" his former team, Sauber.
Making his return to the Formula 1 grid, Valtteri Bottas had a direct message for the sport's growing audience: "Don't just watch Netflix, watch the F1 races live." The Finn's tongue-in-cheek comment, made alongside new teammate Sergio Perez during an appearance on Hot Ones, underscores a broader sentiment within the paddock. It also highlights Bottas's refreshingly candid nature, which was on full display as he also admitted he was "quite happy to leave" his former team, Sauber.
Why it matters:
Bottas's comment taps into the ongoing debate about Drive to Survive's role in F1's growth, questioning whether it creates genuine race fans or just casual drama viewers. His frank admission about leaving Sauber adds a layer of human drama to the sport, illustrating the driver's perspective on team struggles. For a veteran driver making a comeback, this outspokenness could define his public persona and endear him to fans tired of corporate PR speak.
The details:
- The Netflix jab: The exact quote from Bottas was, "Don’t just watch Netflix, watch the F1 races live." It was delivered during a Hot Ones Versus segment with his new teammate, Sergio Perez.
- Relief at Sauber exit: When prompted, Bottas did not hold back, admitting he was "quite happy to leave" Sauber at the end of the 2024 season. He framed it as a matter of honesty regarding his circumstances.
- Veteran return: Both Bottas and Perez are set to return to full-time competition after a season away from the grid. Bottas served as Mercedes' reserve driver, while Perez also spent the 2025 season on the sidelines.
- New chapter: The appearance marks one of the first public moments for the new driver pairing, who are preparing for their 13th and 15th seasons in Formula 1, respectively.
Looking ahead:
As Bottas prepares for his return, his willingness to speak his mind positions him as a key personality to watch. His new partnership with Perez, another seasoned veteran, promises to be an intriguing dynamic. If his new team can provide a competitive car, Bottas's candid commentary could become a compelling narrative thread, offering fans an unfiltered look into the life of a driver seeking a fresh start.