F1 star explains why he doesn't have a private jet like Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso
The F1 star's admission might raise a few eyebrows.
Modern-day Formula One stars live a life filled with luxury. From the fame, to the finances, as well as the food and the fortune, it’s a life many regular folk would snap a hand off if given the chance.
That’s before even mentioning the travel perks, with drivers getting to see all four corners of the world as part of their day job. It does throw up some logistical problems though, given the long journeys can take a toll on a driver’s body over time.
As a result, many will opt to use a chunk of their fortune to buy a private jet, in an attempt to cut down on some of the stress travelling all over the world might bring. Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are just some of the drivers known to have purchased a flashy private jet with their earnings from Formula One.
But according to one Formula One star, it’s all one big waste of time. The man in question is Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas, who told What Next: "Quite a few drivers actually [fly private jet]. We've got 'Checo' [Perez] for sure. He's got one. Fernando [Alonso] has one, Max, those [drivers] at least.
"I don't have a plane because financially it doesn't make sense. It is more efficient to charter. With certain things, I don't like wasting money. So simple reason.”
If given the opportunity, the Finnish star would probably choose to cycle from race to race, given he’s previously admitted a love for all things on two wheels, as well as four. Bottas said: “Road, mountain and, now, gravel — I love to ride everything. I take bike racing seriously. If I enter a race, it is automatic that something happens in my brain - I will always be out there to challenge myself. I don’t mind hurting myself [in a race].”
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That fearlessness has been apparent throughout Bottas’ Formula One career, and while he’s approaching his twilight, the ex-Mercedes ace is still looking to make an impression this season. Driving for the new Cadillac team, Bottas is expecting a rocky ride during the constructors’ maiden campaign.
Speaking ahead of the new season, he said: “It has been, and also my first time driving for the Cadillac Formula One team, and it’s great. I mean, it is the problem-solving phase of the team, it’s the first time we’re properly running the car.
“So it’s been a really valuable, really important week. I think biggest takeaways are that, well, first of all, I’m proud of everyone working so hard and being here with the car.
“But also, first takeaway is that we still have a long way to go. We still have lots of problems to solve and a bit of a mountain to climb, but we’re getting there step by step.
“Each run, we’re getting better and more together as a team. Each run, we’re solving issues and going forward. So that’s good.”
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