F1 ICONS: Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas on fellow Finn and double world champion Mika Hakkinen
.webp)
Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas is a huge fan of hockey, coffee, and cycling – but F1 eclipses all of those for the Finn. In this exclusive feature, the 10-time Grand prix winner explains in his own words why compatriot and two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen is his F1 Icon...
Finland is a unique place to grow up. It’s a slow culture, but it produces fast racing drivers. It’s a quiet place, but we love the roar of engines. There’s pure water, pure air, great schools, it’s safe, and growing up there was pretty ideal. You appreciate the simple things in life.

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
F1 ExplainsHow marshals act as the ‘first line of safety’ for F1 drivers
Power RankingsWho starred under the Singapore lights?
UnlockedWhen Schumacher collided with Villeneuve at Jerez
Driver marketWhy has Russell not agreed a Mercedes deal yet?
7 iconic F1 driver numbers and the stories behind them
Listen to our United States GP preview